The Cheltenham Borough Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 15 October 2026. The committee unanimously approved a housing development on land off Shelley Road.

Land Off Shelley Road, Cheltenham

The committee unanimously approved the application for the erection of 70 new dwellings, public open space, drainage, and associated works on land off Shelley Road. This decision was made subject to a legal agreement and a schedule of conditions.

The development, which is a 100% affordable housing scheme comprising 49 homes for social rent and 21 for shared ownership, was previously granted planning permission in February 2026, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement. The current meeting considered amended proposals following design refinements.

Councillor Richard Pinniger, the ward councillor, raised concerns about the robustness of the construction management plan, particularly regarding dust and noise mitigation. He specifically highlighted the need for improved wheel wash facilities and more stringent dust control measures, suggesting conditions for a Glanaco portable wheel wash system or similar and the installation of wind barriers if dust is noticeable. He also called for specific noise-sensitive receptors to be named in any conditions.

During the member debate, Councillor Barbara Clark sought confirmation on whether conditions could be tightened to prevent developers from acting irresponsibly. The officer confirmed that revisions to the construction management plan had been sought to make it more robust, with Environmental Health taking the lead on its approval based on previous issues at the Folly site.

Councillor Jan Foster questioned the absence of education contributions due to viability issues and asked if a review mechanism could be included in the Section 106 agreement to claw back contingency funds for education contributions if unused. The officer explained that such a clause was not possible, although a clause exists requiring contributions if the council did not develop the site for 100% affordable housing. The viability assessment indicated the scheme was not viable with those contributions.

Further questions were raised about the omission of air source heat pump covers, with officers clarifying they were not necessary. Concerns were also voiced about the developer's engagement with the nearby Monkscroft Care Home, with officers stating this was not something the council would be party to, but hoped for good neighbourly relations. The issue of broadband non-tonal reversing alarms on all site vehicles, including mobile plant, was also discussed, with officers confirming this would be taken into account.

The officer recommendation to grant planning permission was proposed by Councillor Simon Wheeler and seconded by Councillor Jan Foster. The application was approved unanimously by eight votes to none.

Appeal Update

The committee noted the report on planning appeals, which provided an overview of appeals received, those being processed, and decisions that had been received since the previous meeting. No specific decisions or actions were required from the committee regarding this item.