The Cheltenham Borough Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 27 March 2025, approving plans for the remodelling and extension of the Cotswold Grange Hotel, the conversion of a garden outbuilding into an annex at 103 Shurdington Road, and the replacement of entrance doors at several properties on London Road and Montpellier Spa Road.

Cotswold Grange Hotel Extension Approved

Plans to remodel and extend the Cotswold Grange Hotel[^1] on Pittville Circus Road were approved by the Planning Committee. The development includes the creation of additional bedrooms, a function room, and a small terrace. The application had been called in by Councillor Hay[^2] on behalf of the applicant and neighbours.

Objectors, represented by Lauren Kempel, raised concerns about the impact on the amenity of Moorcourt Drive, citing potential overbearing impacts, loss of privacy, and noise disturbance from the proposed terrace and function room. They argued that the detriments were underplayed and the stated benefits exaggerated, questioning the economic benefits claimed by the applicant.

Nirav Sheth, the applicant and owner of Cotswold Grange for 18 years, highlighted the hotel's role as an independently-run boutique establishment and emphasised the need for thoughtful evolution to remain viable. He stated the proposal would enhance the hotel's offering with a larger function space and six additional guest bedrooms, improving accessibility with a new lift and accessible bedroom. Sheth also projected significant economic benefits, including over 13,000 annual overnight stays, £1.5-2 million in visitor spending, and the creation of four new full-time jobs, increasing the team from 9 to 13.

The committee debated the proposal, with Councillor Tony Oliver and Councillor Mumford expressing concerns about the retention of a laurel hedge at the rear during construction, which provides privacy for residents. The case officer, Ben Warren, clarified that while the hedge could not be formally protected, a landscaping plan condition would allow for control and potential retention. Councillor Andrews supported the proposal, noting the need for commercial viability to maintain historic buildings.

The committee voted unanimously to permit the application, subject to a Section 106 agreement[^3].

103 Shurdington Road Annex Approved Despite Flood Risk Concerns

An application to extend an existing garden outbuilding and convert it into an annex at 103 Shurdington Road was approved, despite objections related to highway safety, parking, noise, and flood risk. The application was called in by Councillor Jackie Chelin[^4].

Objectors raised concerns about the lack of additional parking, potential visitor parking in Kenelm Gardens, and highway safety due to the proximity of the property's access to a cycle path. Noise from the proposed metal roofing and the use of the building as an annex were also cited as issues. Concerns were also raised about flood risk, with the rear garden falling within flood zones 2 and 3, and the Environment Agency[^5] updating their flood risk mapping to show the main dwelling now within flood zone 2.

The case officer, Claire Donnelly, explained that while the Environment Agency did not provide specific comments, the Council's Drainage and Flooding Officer had noted the site's location within flood zone 3b (functional floodplain). However, officers considered the development acceptable due to the permitted development fallback position, meaning a similar structure could be built under permitted development rights without requiring planning permission or flood risk considerations. The annex would also be ancillary to the main dwelling, allowing occupants to evacuate to the main house.

Councillor Oliver supported the proposal, stating he saw no real objections and was happy to support it. The committee voted five in favour, with three abstentions, to permit the application.

Replacement Doors at London Road and Montpellier Spa Road Approved

The committee approved applications for the replacement of existing flat entrance doors with fire-rated doors at properties on London Road and Montpellier Spa Road. Cheltenham Borough Council was the applicant for these properties.

For the properties at 38, 40, 42, and 46 London Road, the committee noted that while most existing doors contributed to the historic and architectural interest of the Grade II* listed buildings, their replacement with fire-rated doors was justified for safety. The proposed designs were considered to detract from the character, and a condition was imposed to secure detailed design approval. The applications were approved unanimously.

Similarly, at 2 and 4 Montpellier Spa Road, the existing doors were deemed to lack special historic or architectural interest. The proposed fire-rated doors were considered consistent with the character of the Grade II listed buildings. The replacement of glazed panels with a fire-rated stud wall was considered to have a neutral impact. These applications were also approved unanimously.

Appeal Update

The committee noted the appeals update, which included information on appeals lodged, appeals being processed, and appeals decided. Notably, an appeal concerning 14 Suffolk Parade for the demolition of existing stores and the construction of a detached two-bedroom coach house dwelling was allowed. However, an appeal regarding 60 Severn Road for a two-storey extension and loft conversion was dismissed due to concerns about the impact on the character and appearance of the area and the living conditions of neighbouring properties.