Townhouses and apartments plotted for Cheltenham site

Plans have been lodged for a townhouses and apartments-led redevelopment of a prime Cheltenham town centre site.Wavensmere Homes and BBS Capital have submitted a full planning application to Cheltenham Borough Council for the redevelopment of the North Place surface car park in the town’s Central Conservation Area.Proposed for Arkle Court is 153 houses and apartments, which aim to “sensitively” enhance the street scene alongside the grade II-listed St Margaret’s Terrace.Of the properties, 75 would be three-bedroom three-storey townhouses, and a four-storey building containing 78 one- and two-bed apartments.The project has been designed by architects Glancy Nicholls.Plans to redevelop the site extend more than three acres. They include multiple areas of high quality landscaped open space, with the opportunity for a public art installation and provision for murals to be created as part of the Cheltenham Paint Festival.Vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access is from North Place.Ben Clarke, technical director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Following consultation with local people, stakeholders and the planning department, we are very pleased to have now lodged this significant planning application, which would transform an unattractive blot on Cheltenham’s townscape. Arkle Court is designed to complement the range of quality restaurants and shops at The Brewery Quarter and will continue the renaissance of the St Paul’s area, which features a plethora of fine heritage assets.Adam McPartland, director of Glancy Nicholls Architects, said: In crafting our vision for this contemporary housing scheme within central Cheltenham, we’ve drawn inspiration from the rich historical tapestry of the area.”Our design ethos – alongside the collaborative vision of Wavensmere Homes – places a significant emphasis on exemplary placemaking, intricately weaving modernity with the timeless charm of Cheltenham’s Regency heritage.”This planning submission embodies our commitment to addressing local housing needs, while creating sustainable homes and spaces that resonate with the local community.”