Bid to save 'much loved' green amid land sale

More than 6,000 people live in the St Pauls ward in Cheltenham

Campaigners are fighting to save a neighbourhood's "much loved" piece of green land, feared to be at risk to development.

Hardwick Green, in the St Paul's area of Cheltenham, is owned by the University of Gloucestershire and is up for sale along with the adjoining Hardwick Campus.

The local councillor for the area, Tabi Joy, said the loss of the land "may only be recognised as significant when we see a few years from now just what has vanished forever".

A University of Gloucestershire spokesperson said the future use of the site will be the responsibility of its new owner.

The university added that if that new owner wishes to develop the site then it would need to apply for planning permission through Cheltenham Borough Council.

If the land is developed, the closest open space to St Paul's would be nearby Pittville Park and Elmfield Park.

'Seismic shift'

Green councillor, Ms Joy said: “The University of Gloucestershire has been a part of our community for decades, and their land disposal will be a seismic shift across Cheltenham.

“It’s the only piece of green land remaining in St Paul's ward proper and hundreds of neighbours use and appreciate it.

“Green space across our communities is being lost along with all the benefits it offers, including flooding mitigation, wildlife corridors, recreational and health impact, and so much else."

A spokesperson for the university said local residents would be consulted on any development if the new owner submits an application.

“We are working on an exciting estates roadmap, which includes the development of Future Park and Creative Campus at our Park site and the sector-leading redevelopment of the former Debenhams departments store in Gloucester into our new City Campus.

“While we are proud of the developments we’re bringing forward, which will boost the student experience, regenerate the local economy, and help us achieve our wider ambitions, we also recognise that a change in a site’s ownership may be concerning for the local community."