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Search forPlans to transform historic site to go before council - video
Thursday, July 24, 2008, 08:00
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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