Council planning to sell off land for major development

A swathe of public land is to be sold as part of a major development which will include 4,115 homes.

The Elms Park development, Cheltenham, was first proposed in 2016 and a final decision on the scheme is expected by the end of the year.

The development will also include three schools and a business park and could take more than 10 years to complete.

Gloucestershire County Council, the owner of the land,  said it was declared surplus to requirements a decade ago.

Details of the deal including the value of the land and the potential owners is being kept confidential.

Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council will jointly determine whether the development can go ahead.

The scheme is being put forward by housebuilders Bloor Homes and Persimmon and will include retail, leisure, community and healthcare facilities and a transport hub.

Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member Lynden Stowe said: “It is very much a key part of the housing delivery and supply of our district partners.”

“What we want to do is ensure best value for the council in the disposal of this land so that it makes a contribution to our capital receipts targets.