Planned flats in historic area have 'poor design'

Concerns have been raised that the development's design is not in keeping with the surrounding historic area

Plans to demolish town centre offices and replace them with a block of flats have been criticised by Historic England.

Alan Vine wants permission from Cheltenham Borough Council to redevelop 86-90 Winchcombe Street and build 26 apartments on the former St Vincent’s and St George’s Association, known as Aim Up.

Historic England said the development had "poor design", was not in keeping with the surrounding area and would dominate the nearby listed buildings.

The site lies in the town’s central conservation area and was previously listed as a Grade II building.

The consultants said a simple contemporary building would not detract from the site's character or setting.

The development would be built on the site of the former Phoenix Centre on Winchcombe Street

The former Phoenix Centre became vacant when the charity decided not to renew its lease in December 2022, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The latest proposals, if approved, would create 26 residential units across four floors on the footprint of the existing building, with a separate building constructed to the immediate west.

The proposed main replacement building has been designed so that it is of a similar scale to the surrounding buildings, with a brick façade and regular window and door openings, the developers say.

'Serious concerns'

But Historic England say the scale and design of the building is not in keeping with the prevailing local and historic character.

“Historic England would wish to express serious concerns about the proposals as set out within this application,” they said in their response.

“These concerns relate particularly to the poor design, form and disposition of the proposed development which will not contribute positively to the local character and distinctiveness of this part of the central Cheltenham conservation area.

"Nor is it sympathetic to local history or the surrounding built environment.”

The council was expected to consider the proposals by 24 July.