Controversy surrounds proposed homes in Cheltenham, as concerns about climate change impact persist
Miller Homes' Shurdington Road Housing Development Plans Progress
In a significant development, Miller Homes, a renowned realtor with an 85-year history of constructing thousands of homes across England, has submitted plans to build 350 new homes, including 140 affordable units, on 44.6 acres of land at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham.
The proposed development includes fitting the homes with gas boilers, a decision that led to the local authority's initial rejection of the plans. However, Miller Homes has since challenged this decision, and a planning inquiry is due to take place at the Municipal Offices in Promenade at 10am on 4 July.
The plans for the Shurdington Road development propose a 31% reduction of CO2 emissions, exceeding the new government standards that aim to cut carbon emissions of new builds by 30% compared to current standards. This reduction in emissions is a key point highlighted by Cllr Hill, an independent planning consultant, who spoke in favor of the plans.
Cllr Hill also acknowledged that the scale of the development makes it impractical to propose a zero-carbon scheme, but it is not a requirement of the council's policies. Despite this, the development plans do not align with the council's plans to address the current climate crisis, as several councillors described the proposed scheme as 'a kick in the teeth of the town's bid to tackle climate change' at a meeting in April 2022.
The new estate, if approved, will not only provide housing but also create a public open space, children's play area, and community orchard and allotments to encourage outdoor activities. The original plans for the new estate also included the creation of new cycleways and footpaths to reduce the amount of transport on roads.
The development comes after a shift in the construction industry following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, with realtors transitioning to using more sustainable building materials. Ross Attwood, a local resident, has captured an image of the Shurdington Road development site (Image reference).
Residents who wish to speak at the planning inquiry are encouraged to notify the council ahead of the meeting. The decision made at the inquiry will determine whether permission will be granted for the development.
This development, if approved, promises to bring new homes and community spaces to Cheltenham, while also aiming to reduce its carbon footprint. The planning inquiry on 4 July will be a crucial step in determining the future of the Shurdington Road housing development.
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