Four dwellings at Broadlands Lodge, 56 The Park, Cheltenham

The site and its setting

The site contained three unoccupied brick buildings, mature trees and hedges, and lay within The Park Character Area of the Central Conservation Area.

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL 1.1 The application site comprises of a parcel of land and buildings formerly owned by and located within the University of Gloucestershire (UoG) Park campus. There are three buildings currently on site: the Farmery Lodge, The Farmery and Broadlands Lodge (56 The Park). All are brick built, predominantly two storeys in height and period properties.”

“A large open area separates the two Farmery buildings from Broadlands Lodge. This land includes a number of large, mature trees and mature boundary hedging. The site boundary to the north is otherwise open and there are views from this green space to the University campus buildings, tennis courts and wider University grounds.”

Officer report

Earlier plans and changes

An earlier proposal sought seven houses and four apartments, while the current scheme was revised to reduce height and scale, alter layouts and protect tree roots.

“In response to various concerns raised by officers and consultees, the current proposal has been substantially revised during the course of the application. The revised drawings show a reduction in the height/scale of the proposed two new-build dwellings and alterations to their layout and footprint.”

“Park, to avoid the Root Protection Area of retained trees, is also included. Some of the supporting documents have been updated in response to the scheme revisions. The application is being determined by the Planning Committee at the request of Councillors Barrell and Chelin. The reasons given for the referral are as follows: - Concerns as expressed by the Civic Society about the effect of the design and scale of the development on the character area of The Park.”

Officer report

Who spoke to the committee

An objector, the applicant’s representative and Councillor Barrell spoke about heritage, public access, design, ecology, housing and the site’s wider importance.

How members voted

Members voted nine to zero, with no abstentions, in favour of the officer recommendation.

“The matter then went to the vote on the officer recommendation to permit subject to a S106 obligation. For: Against: Abstain: 0”

“Voted UNANIMOUSLY for the officer recommendation to permit subject to a S106 obligation.”

Minutes