Locals support plans to demolish city tower block

Clapham Court in Gloucester dates back to the 1960s

A plan to replace a city's only tower block with family homes has been largely backed by local residents, a housing association has said.

Gloucester City Homes (GCH) wants to tear down the 11-storey Clapham Court in Kingsholm and build 34 homes and flats in its place.

According to the proposals, the tower block is more than 60 years old and does not meet current housing needs.

Daniel Lutman, development manager at GCH, said: "Across Gloucester, too many families are struggling to find an affordable, suitable home."

The results of the public consultation, held on 15 July, have shown 80% of people believe the proposal to the tower block is a "good idea", with 88% agreeing it would either "definitely" or "possibly" offer local residents a better place to live.

GCH said about 50 people attended the consultation.

It added that some neighbours to the tower block were concerned about disruption when the development is being demolished, and also parking.

A previous application to replace Clapham Court with more homes was refused in December 2024 over concern about parking and layout.

The plans include one and two bed flats along with houses

GCH said the results of the consultation will be used to put forward a revised application with fewer homes and 21 parking spaces.

It will include 10 one-bed flats, 10 two-bed flat, 10 three-bed homes, three four-bed homes and one wheelchair accessible ground floor flat.

The new proposals will be submitted to Gloucester City Council in the coming months, GCH said.

"By creating these new social homes, we can help people put down roots, stay close to their support networks, and reduce the likelihood of families being forced to live in temporary accommodation," Mr Lutman said.

"We remain dedicated to creating homes that improve lives and the community in Kingsholm."