The application site was formerly used as a playing field although this use ceased in 2009 and the site has since remained vacant.

The subject site is fairly constrained as part of the site falls within the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area and affects the setting of a Grade I listed building. As such careful attention was afforded to the design of the proposed dwellings to ensure that the character and appearance of the Area and setting of the heritage asset was preserved.

MEP assisted Newland Homes in pulling together the planning strategy and producing the Planning Statement. Assistance and advice was provided during the processing and consideration of the application.

The scheme, which was unanimously resolved to be approved by Cheltenham Borough Council’s Planning Committee last week (subject to completion of the Section 106 agreement), delivers a high-quality mix of 1–5 bedroom homes, with 40% affordable housing.

The approved scheme not only delivers much-needed housing, but also enables wider community benefits, with the site having been sold by Pittville School to fund new on-site sports facilities for both the school and local community.