Plans to install a sleek, white pergola at Julian Dunkerton’s renowned Number 131 on the Promenade in Cheltenham are slated to begin this summer. This development comes after temporary marquees were erected during the Cheltenham Festival to provide additional outdoor seating.
The temporary white tents, introduced in October 2020 to support outdoor dining amid the pandemic, replaced parasols outside the luxury boutique hotel and restaurant. Despite hopes to retain the tents for an extended period, Cheltenham Borough Council rejected these proposals in November 2022 due to concerns over their impact on the Grade II* listed buildings and the surrounding Conservation Area.
An appeal against this decision is currently under review by the Planning Inspectorate, pending which enforcement action is suspended. Meanwhile, plans for a modern metal pergola with a retractable roof were approved in February 2023, promising an elegant and permanent solution.
READ MORE: Cheltenham NHS Worker Fined Despite Free Night-Time Parking
READ MORE: Cirencester Double Stabbing Sparks Attempted Murder Investigation
Local voices, including Cheltenham Civic Society Chairman Andrew Booton, have expressed concerns about the continued presence of the “tatty tents,” urging the owners to proceed with the approved permanent structure. Booton emphasized the importance of balancing commercial interests with the preservation of Cheltenham’s historic character.
A spokesperson for Number 131 acknowledged delays in commencing construction, citing planning and logistical challenges. However, they affirmed the intention to start building the pergola in June and reiterated that all temporary tents installed for the festival would be removed shortly after the event, emphasizing their strictly temporary nature.
Cheltenham Borough Council confirmed that the enforcement case remains unresolved, with no new updates as the appeal process continues.
As summer approaches, the community awaits the replacement of the temporary marquees with a more fitting, long-term outdoor structure that respects Cheltenham’s heritage while supporting its vibrant hospitality sector.