250 new eco homes and a country park approved for Cheltenham

A development just north of Harp Hill on the outskirts of Cheltenham has been given the green light to build 250 new eco homes and a country park.

By Sarah Kent  |  Published
An artist's impression of how the new houses and park will look at Harp Hill in Cheltenham.

Housebuilder, Vistry Group, has had plans approved by Cheltenham Borough Council for the go ahead on 250 new homes and a country park for residents at a site in Oakley on the outskirts of Cheltenham.

£6.5 million will also be invested into local services as part of this new development just north of Harp Hill, with properties for the private market plus affordable homes for shared owners and rental.

The development has been designed with the surrounding countryside in mind, with a number of 'neighbourhoods' outlined, alongside a country park and six children's play areas. 

Part of the planning agreement includes a huge investment into the local area, with Vistry putting £2.3 million into local schools, £49,000 towards library resources, £48,000 for playing fields and up to £25,000 to maintain a historic reservoir wall along the site's eastern boundary. A further £4 million will be put into local neighbourhoods, infrastructure and road improvements.

Hayley Ody, regional sales and marketing director for Bovis Homes, which is part of Vistry, said: 'This development is in a very special location on the edge of the Cotswolds National Landscape and the design we have created, after close collaboration with Cheltenham Borough Council, will blend in sensitively with the surroundings and celebrate the glorious setting.

'The energy-efficient new homes will benefit from low-carbon heating, with solar panels and air source heat pumps.

'Historic mature trees will be retained, creating focal points in the development, the central valley within the site will become a play area and the country park will sit along the upper slopes so people can enjoy the views. A secluded central glade area surrounded by mature trees will be preserved as a space for people to meet in a relaxing, natural outdoor setting.'

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