New Cheltenham homes plan described as "terrible"

Cheltenham Civic Society said it is concerned the plans did not fit with the local area.

Plans to build 153 homes near a town centre have been called "terrible".

The proposal to redevelop Cheltenham's North Place car park was described as having "very poor-quality architecture" by Cheltenham Civic Society.

The society said the development would look out of place and would "fail to link the town centre to Pittville".

Plans including apartments, townhouses and "pocket parks", submitted by Wavensmere Homes, have been welcomed by Cheltenham Borough Council.

The 13,400 sqm car park would be completely re-developed under the proposals

"This is a terrible scheme," a Civic Society spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"[it is] Very poor quality architecture that fails to relate to the Grade II* St Margaret's Terrace or Grade II Clarence Square."

They added: "It's dominated by cars. It fails to link the town centre to Pittville."

The plans feature communal gardens, described as "pocket parks"

Consultants working on the scheme say the proposals would offer homes for a broad spectrum of buyers, including young people and downsizing older generations, as well as providing a mix of attainable homes for families and young professionals.

Cheltenham Borough Council says it hopes the transformation of the brownfield site will align with its broader plans to better connect parts of the town, and its leader, Rowena Hay welcomed the plans being submitted.

Borough planners are expected to make a decision on the proposals by May 25 this year.