Fresh plans to demolish city tower block

Clapham Court was built 60 years ago but is has become "outdated"

Fresh plans to demolish an 11-storey tower block in Gloucester and replace it with new family homes will "improve living conditions for residents".

A planning application by Gloucester City Homes to replace Clapham Court was refused last year, because of concerns about parking and the layout.

The new plans include a revised layout with fewer homes and extra parking spaces.

Chief Executive, Guy Stenson, said Clapham Court "no longer meets current housing demand".

Guy Stenson said removing the outdated tower block would "enhance the area's appearance"

Clapham Court, in Alvin Street, is Gloucester's only tower block.

The plans would see it demolished and replaced by a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes.

There will also be parking, along with a new pharmacy and play area.

"Clapham Court is more than 60 years old," Mr Stenson said.

"Our aim is to ensure that the new scheme will provide better quality housing and a design that respects the conservation area.

"Removing the outdated tower block would also enhance the area's appearance and improve living conditions for nearby residents," he added.

"We are committed to working with the council, residents, and stakeholders to mitigate the concerns raised by some members resulting in the decision to refuse planning permission.

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

Former resident Simon O'Brien said he would like to return to the building

A consultation event at the building gave people the opportunity to find out more about the plans.

Former resident, Simon O'Brien, lived at Clapham Court for more than six years.

"I had a brilliant view. I could see the rugby ground so didn't have to buy a ticket. I could watch games from my bedroom," he said.

"But the roof on the tenth floor was leaking all the time.

"The plans are alright, I'd like to come back."

Tanina Visaranta said "It will be sad to see it go, because it's so iconic"

Tanina Visaranta said she had known the building "all my life".

"I had friends here that I visited many times," she added.

"I will be sad to see it go, because it's so iconic. But I do recognise that some of the materials used to construct it need replacing and I understand the need for family homes," she said.

"I came to find out more about the timescale, how it's financed and the affect it would have on local schools and GP surgeries."