Massive new 4,000-home neighbourhood near M5 set to be decided on
A decision on the controversial plan is expected imminently
Carmelo Garcia Local democracy reporter 12:19, 28 May 2025
There are fears the major development will lead to a huge increase in traffic(Image: Bloor Homes and Persimmon Homes/Cheltenham Borough Council)
A huge new neighbourhood could be built near the M5 with thousands of homes, a business park, schools and leisure facilities.
The 4,115-home Elms Park estate near Cheltenham is set to be decided on this week, but faces objections from residents and several parish councils. However, officers have recommended granting delegated permission subject to conditions.
The Elms Park Consortium, led by housebuilders Bloor Homes and Persimmon, says the GBP2.5 billion development will include up to 35 per cent affordable housing and will create 4,000 jobs during construction.
The controversial proposals have been contested by seven villages, Gloucestershire Live reports[1].
More than 100 individuals have also submitted objections to the scheme, compared to only four letters of support, with concerns including traffic, pollution and a strain on health services and other local infrastructure.
The major housing scheme is due to be debated by borough planners in Tewkesbury and the spa town tomorrow (Thursday, May 29). The two authorities' respective planning committees will consider the scheme at their meetings.
The development site is within an area of land allocated for development in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury's joint planning strategy. It would be built on land north of Tewkesbury Road, between the Kingsditch Trading Estate and Uckington.
Article continues below'Disastrous'
"The whole scheme is shortsighted and will have a disastrous effect throughout the locality," one objector said.
"I run on those fields regularly and many others and the degree of water retention on those fields particularly is immense.
There will be a huge increase in traffic and air pollution. Local amenities will be overwhelmed, especially healthcare and hospitals.
"Such huge developments should be carried out as new towns and therefore be self contained. Please see sense and stop this now.
But you won't."
The Elms Park development includes more than 1,000 affordabel homes(Image: Elms Park Consortium)
A spokesperson for Elms Park Consortium said: "The development is designed to be largely self-sufficient, incorporating a new secondary school, two new primary schools, extra-care accommodation for assisted living with additional support, a six-GP health centre and a range of local shops and services, including a new community centre.
"There will also be more than 100 hectares of publicly available open space, including a large new park and multiple play areas for younger and older children.
Article continues below"Key features of the proposed development include improvements to offsite cycling routes, extensive green infrastructure, a new transport hub with new bus services into central Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, as well as a new sports hub, including tennis courts and an all-weather pitch.
"The proposed Elms Park development will deliver much-needed housing, and particularly affordable housing, to the region and we hope that the planning committees consider the application favourably."
The developers highlighted environmental considerations such as the inclusion of air source heat pumps, photovoltaic collectors, electric vehicle charging points, secure cycle parking and the creation of new wildlife habitats.
References
- ^ Gloucestershire Live reports (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)