Cheltenham North Place car park plans scrutinised by group

Illustrations show the plans for 153 homes on North Place Car Park

A community group is calling for the council to reject plans to build 153 homes on a town centre car park.

Cheltenham Civic Society (CCS) planning forum has objected to proposals put forward by Wavensmere Homes for North Place Car Park.

The group aims to conserve the architectural and historical features of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire.

Plans submitted by Wavensmere Homes have previously been welcomed by Cheltenham Borough Council.

CCS said it wanted the developer to come forward with a plan that reflected the importance of the site's location.

The Society's Planning Forum said it was particularly concerned about the heavy, new apartment block sitting alongside Cheltenham's St Margaret's Terrace.

It said it would be a "monstrous carbuncle" of a neighbour.

Cheltenham Civic Society are concerned about the new apartment which would sit next to St Margaret's Terrace

Consultants working on the scheme said the development would provide a mix of attainable homes.

James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes has previously said: "Our plans for the scheme include both apartments and townhouses, as we want to offer young professionals, families, and older people, appropriate and attainable new homes that enable them to significantly lower their carbon footprint. We are continuing to work alongside all stakeholders."

"We entirely support the principle of developing housing on this site, which has lain vacant for more than 40 years," CCS chair, Andrew Booton said.

"But what the town needs on this site is a shining example of urban planning rather than this lacklustre scheme with its poor proportions and detailing."

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