Yahoo News New plans for 122 affordable homes on Cheltenham green after parking concerns raised
The latest plans for 122 affordable homes which will cover a Cheltenham green will include a community park after residents raised concerns. Dozens of people had opposed the initial plans to develop The Folly which is north of Swindon Road amid fears the new homes would cause havoc in an area already struggling with parking problems.
The site is owned by the University of Gloucestershire who previously used the greenfield site for British Universities and Colleges Sport fixtures. But Housing Association Aster Group wants permission to develop the site to provide much-needed affordable housing.
The latest scheme they have submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council introduces a new community park area as part of the proposals for the new housing estate. They say the change responds directly to feedback during the public consultation that the site should be further opened up for wider community use and replaces original plans for a sports pitch on the site.
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The park area will benefit everyone, providing play equipment together with new walking paths, informal recreation spaces and seating areas for relaxing, they said. And the community park will also transform the outlook from Swindon Road, replacing the harsh look of palisade fencing with a beautiful green and welcoming space – creating a focal point for the local community.
Aster representatives say they remain steadfast in their commitment to deliver 122 new high-quality affordable homes for local people, offering routes to home ownership, via shared ownership, and homes for rent, alongside the new community park area and upgrading the staff car park for Gardner’s Lane Primary School, to help alleviate parking issues in the area.
The delivery of 122 affordable homes at The Folly would mark a milestone for Cheltenham, bringing the largest number of affordable homes to the area in recent years - equivalent to one-third of all affordable homes delivered in Cheltenham since 2018, they say.
The Folly represents an opportunity to provide secure and affordable homes, helping to create brighter future for some of the significant number of families who need them, according to the housing association. In addition to increasing access to public open space, the revised plans will also enhance biodiversity on-site - delivering a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain, double the mandatory national requirements.
Meanwhile, all homes will be gas-free, and equipped with air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. Amanda Williams, Chief Investment Officer at Aster Group, said: “Ensuring local people have access to affordable, secure housing is at the heart of what we’re doing at The Folly.
“These homes are desperately needed, and we’re excited to move forward with a scheme that balances housing need with wider community benefit. We truly believe the proposals for The Folly can mark a step-change in the pace of the delivery of affordable homes in Cheltenham.
“We’ve listened to the feedback given on our proposals and our revised plans now aim to open the space up for everyone and provide a space that benefits the entire community, which will serve new and existing residents all-year round. This approach means local families will be able to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors as well as play, relax, and connect.”
