Planning Application submitted for 100% affordable housing scheme to provide new, family homes near the centre of Cheltenham

Housing Association, Aster Group has submitted a planning application to Cheltenham Borough Council for the creation of new family homes and public open spaces at The Folley, off Swindon Road. Following consultation with the local community on the plans, Aster has increased new public open space provision on site and implemented additional measures to safeguard the privacy of existing neighbours.

The detailed proposals would deliver 122 new homes, offering affordable routes to home ownership, via shared ownership, and homes for rent, alongside new public open spaces and community sports provision.

The proposals offer an opportunity to open-up the site to wider public use whilst addressing the severe need for affordable homes in Cheltenham. Over the past five years, identified housing need in Cheltenham Borough has outstripped the supply of affordable housing by almost three times, keeping many local people from the security and stability of having a home [Source: Local Housing Needs Assessment, see notes to editors].

Aster has also confirmed its intention to retain the use of car parking provision for neighbouring Gardners Lane Primary School during school/term times.

Cllr Rowena Hay, Leader of the Cheltenham Borough Council said: “The Folley development - providing much needed, energy efficient, affordable homes for families who want to live and work in the area – is a great example of what can be achieved when the borough council works closely with developers towards creating a really positive outcome for this site and its surrounding area.”

“The proposed development offers important community provisions to support health and wellbeing and green public spaces to encourage biodiversity. Most importantly, the affordable nature of the proposed development offers stability for local people and families.”  

Aster Land and Planning Manager, Katy Herrington, said: “We would like to thank everyone who provided feedback during the consultation. We have worked hard to ensure the proposals respond to the feedback we received, with local input resulting in several changes, including an increase in public open space and further tree planting and boundary fencing to ensure the privacy of our neighbours.”

“We are pleased to have now submitted an application to provide high-quality, energy efficient affordable homes for local people, with a particular emphasis on shared ownership – an affordable route to home ownership and secure alternative to renting privately – as well as community sports provision. Our aim is to create a fantastic place to live in a central and accessible location, close to shops and services. We are committed to addressing the demands of the climate emergency and will deliver a gas free scheme, with all homes equipped with air source pumps and electric vehicle charging points.”