Cheltenham homes on historic industrial estate set for approval

Developers say the scheme will transform outdated and mostly dilapidated units

Controversial plans to tear down part of a historic estate and build hundreds of homes look set to be approved.

Cheshire West and Chester Council wants to build 215 homes on Lansdown Industrial Estate in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Some residents fear the development would make Rowanfield Road "even more dangerous".

But developers say the scheme will transform outdated and mostly dilapidated units.

Cheltenham Borough council officers have recommended the plans be approved on Thursday.

The Lansdown Industrial Estate site, by Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, is split into two by a railway line.

Locals fear Rowanfield Road would become "even more dangerous"

Lansdown Art Studios, which is based in the estate, faces demolition in the plans.

The studio was once the home of H H Martyn & Co, a company known for making the Marble Arch gates, re-decorating Buckingham Palace and manufacturing Spitfire propellers during World War Two.

Around 50 people objected to the plans, with most opposing the planning demolition of the art studio.

The proposals - divided into three separate applications - include plans for an art studio, as well as the 215 homes, and redevelopment of two units for mixed-use.

The chairman of Lansdown Art Studio Association said its objections should be withdrawn should plans for a replacement art studios elsewhere on the site be approved.

Several residents fear the homes would lead to a rise in traffic and parking problems on Rowanfield Road, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'People drive too fast'

One said: "The condition of the road is dangerous, particularly for bicycle riders.

"People drive much too fast because it is one of the few roads in the area without speed bumps and it also acts as a rat-run when the level crossing is closed.

"With an extra 215 dwellings using the road - and they will - there needs to be serious consideration of its condition and renovation."

Gloucestershire County Council's highways department submitted no objection to the plan, subject to conditions.