“Absolutely first rate” plans to build what could become the first carbon neutral council homes in Cheltenham have been given the go-ahead.
Cheltenham Borough Homes has been granted permission to demolish the existing vacant home and other buildings at 320 Swindon Road and build 17 flats and seven houses on the site.
The not-for-profit company, which manages Cheltenham Borough Council’s housing stock, said it is their aspiration to make the development a net zero project.
Carbon neutrality is a state of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions and this can be achieved by reducing such emissions.
The homes have been designed in a way to reduce heat loss and the scheme will be gas-free with air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaics panels.
They have also explored construction methods to improve airtightness, reduce thermal bridging and reduce its carbon footprint.
While parking spaces would be provided to the front of the proposed houses and to the apartments via an entrance off Malvern Street.
Borough councillors were extremely impressed by the proposals and unanimously backed the scheme during today’s (November 18) planning committee meeting.
Councillor Simon Wheeler (Lib Dem, Hesters Way) said the development was “absolutely first rate” and praised the use of solar panels and heat pumps.
“We need to use this as an exemplar for all future developments,” he said.
Cllr Bernie Fisher (Lib Dem, Swindon Village) agreed that it was a great scheme and a step in the right direction.
However, he did raise concerns over the ecological impact of traditional construction methods.
While Cllr John Payne (People Against Bureaucracy, Prestbury) said the new homes are a model for the future of development in Cheltenham.
“I’m confident, knowing that good quality housing runs through Cheltenham Borough Homes’ DNA, that this will be an excellent development,” he said.
“It sets the trend going forward. Space in Cheltenham is limited and this provides a model for future developments. I’m entirely supportive of it.”
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter