Plans have been submitted to revitalise a disused school site in Cheltenham to create a new green neighbourhood of 70 affordable homes.
Architects and landscape architects from multidisciplinary design practice BDP have led the design of the proposed project on the former Monkscroft School site for Cheltenham Borough Council.
The plans for the new development have been designed as a direct response to housing need in the area and will offer 100% affordable housing. The new homes will consist of social rented properties as well as shared ownership homes, which will be available for first time buyers in due course. There will be a mix of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom homes which will be energy efficient in line with the anticipated Future Homes Standard.
The homes are set within an eco-friendly landscape with natural habitats, public open spaces with wildflowers, new and retained trees, as well as hedgerows, vastly improving the area. Taking on board public feedback to provide a community space and promote a sense of wellbeing, the site will include a community growing area, green promenade and a green central open space for everyone to enjoy. Electric charging points for cars and solar panels will also be provided as part of the project alongside designated car parking.
Adam Darby, architect associate at BDP, said: ‘Plans for this highly sustainable new neighbourhood feature a range of types of affordable housing to cater for people at all stages of life with plenty of green spaces to support biodiversity and the well-being of residents.
‘A new green, open space at the heart of the community is designed to create a safe space for children to play and people to connect with one another, whilst active travel routes for pedestrians and cyclists will meander through a car-free ‘green promenade’, helping to connect nearby neighbourhoods into the site.’
Councillor Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for major developments & housing delivery, said: ‘At Monkscroft School Site, we’re transforming a disused former school site into a thriving new community filled with affordable homes. Homes that are not just affordable to rent, but that harness the benefits of climate-friendly technology to keep living costs low and improve the lives of those who live in them.
‘With a mix of sizes – from one-bed flats to a five-bed property, plus accessible flats – designed to reflect the shortages on our housing waiting list, we’re building the right homes for those who need them most.
‘This is one of many projects we’re working on across Cheltenham to deliver much-needed new and affordable housing. Our priority remains the same: helping people who are struggling to get on the housing ladder – including those on waiting lists—into high-quality homes they can afford to run and desperately need.
‘I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultations and shared their views on these plans. Your input helped shape our ambitious proposals and was at the heart of our decision-making process. We’re proud to have designed a development that meets community needs and creates new, accessible green space for nearby residents to enjoy.’
A full planning application was submitted to the local planning authority.
Photo by Etienne Girardet
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