Plans to transform historic site to go before council - video
PLANS to transform a site behind an historic Cheltenham
landmark go before the council today.
Acaster LLP wants to build a U-shaped development facing St
Mary's Parish Church, the only surviving medieval building in
the town.
Proposals for the Chester Walk site include 14 flats, eight
office units and a 42-space underground car park. A cafe will
also be suspended over part of the churchyard using a
cantilever.
The scheme has divided opinion between residents who say it
is an ugly design unsuitable for the area, and those who feel
it would develop a site which has lain dormant for years.
In a letter to the council, Cheltenham Civic Society say:
“While we were impressed by this proposal and particularly like
the canti- levered cafe, we do feel that a scheme of this
order, in such a sensitive setting, requires some form of
three-dimensional presentation, preferably a model in order to
be totally convincing.
“This proposal is of higher architectural quality than the
recently rejected scheme put forward by the county council.
“Though it is not a high-density development and
undoubtedly, more units could be squeezed in, we feel that it
is appropriate within the context of St Mary's Church and the
tranquility of the churchyard. Even though a model has not been
provided, we are confident in recommending approval without
further delay.”
Council officers were less enthusiastic about the plans and
have recommended the council refuse them.
In a report the council's Urban Design Manager says:
“Development on this site has great potential to create a safe
setting for the churchyard, as well as having the potential to
create an attractive living environment. This proposal fails to
do either.”
Gloucestershire County Council owns the site which is
currently a car park.
In 2005, it had plans for 21 apartments to be built within a
four-storey building on part of the site turned down.
The design was not deemed of a high enough standard for
development on an important site. It was also argued it would
have a detrimental impact on the church. A subsequent appeal
was dismissed.
A further application for 13 apartments, a cottage and an
internet cafe was submitted this year, and refused at a meeting
in May. Members agreed the proposals were not of a high enough
density for a site with strong transport links. Again it was
also not thought to be of a high enough standard of design.
Cheltenham Borough Council's planning committee will decide
on the latest scheme at a meeting today at 6pm.
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