Multi-million pound deal paves way for housing development

A multi-million pound deal to purchase land for 180 new homes has been agreed.

Tewkesbury-based housing association Bromford has agreed a deal to buy two parcels of land owned by Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council on Old Gloucester Road in Cheltenham.

The housing association will now draw up plans to build 180 homes on the combined 16-acre site.

The two pieces of land are next to an existing development, where Bromford is currently building 85 affordable new homes, which will provide access to the new sites. Bromford started work on this site in 2023 and is due to complete next year in 2025.

Of the 180 additional homes proposed on the two new pieces of land, 50% will be affordable market led housing and 50% will be affordable. Housing options will include shared ownership and social rent homes, ensuring a mixed tenure development.

Bromford’s head of land, Lyndon Parkes, said: “We’re thrilled to have agreed these deals and to be working with Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council to provide these new homes.

“Having already acquired and started work on the first parcel of land at Old Gloucester Road, buying these two adjoining pieces of land is an ideal opportunity for us to create a joined-up vision for the whole site and to create an attractive and flourishing new neighbourhood. It fits perfectly with our new strategy to acquire and develop larger pieces of land ourselves so we can maximise our impact in an area and really help a place to thrive.

“We’ll be utilising Homes England grant funding to finance the development as we look to deliver a mix of tenures to meet local demand. We’re already working on the plans for the land and subject to receiving planning permission would hope to start work later this year.”

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for housing, at Cheltenham Borough Council said: “This is an exciting start to the new year and is another step towards increasing the number of affordable, energy efficient homes our town really needs. Bromford have demonstrated that they can deliver affordable housing which will help create more sustainable communities and reduce homelessness.”