Latest news with #CheltenhamBoroughCouncil
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Gloucestershire Airport to be sold for more than £25m
Gloucestershire Airport will be sold for more than it's £25m guide price, councillors have of Gloucester City Council (GCC) gave the final go-ahead to the unnamed preferred bidder at a meeting on Thursday evening, pending due diligence by GCC and Cheltenham Borough Council, the 350-acre airport in Staverton was put on the market with a guide price of £25m in October 2024, and in the meeting it was revealed that the selected bidder had offered above that leader, Jeremy Hilton, said he was "confident" that the new owners would make a success of the site, adding: "We've done everything we possibly can." Several weeks of checks will now be undertaken, with the sale expected to be completed by identity of the buyer is expected to be revealed next week, according to the Local Democracy Reporting at both authorities and the airport itself have stressed the site is being sold as a going some councillors and campaigners have raised fears about the viability of the business and the potential for the land to be sold for housing in the future. Airport 'needs investment' Hilton said a "robust" covenant would be put in place to prevent the land from being developed on, and this would likely last for 50 said Gloucestershire Airport was more likely to survive as a result of the sale compared to if the councils continued to run it."We know the airport is running at a loss and has been for a number of years," he added."They have not paid the councils a dividend for as long as I can remember. They need substantial investment."Two Community Independent councillors argued the land should be sold to build up to 12,500 Andrew Bell said: "We need houses… this is our perfect chance."However, members voted to go ahead with the sale by 25 votes to two.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'At-risk' Cheltenham Playhouse given £25k grant by council
A community theatre has been given a council grant after announcing it would close without urgent Playhouse announced last month that it needed to raise an initial £50,000 by the end of June as it did not have the "depth of funds" required to Burge, acting chair of the Board of Trustees at Cheltenham Playhouse, said the "first milestone is within reach" after receiving a £25,000 grant from Cheltenham Borough Council, which owns the Cheltenham Playhouse, which will celebrate its 80th birthday in 2025, hopes to raise £100,000 by the end of the year. A long-term masterplan had been devised by new theatre trustees but financial support is needed to keep the doors of the 180-seat Cheltenham Playhouse oldest parts of the Grade II listed Regency building date back to 1806, and the former swimming baths still exist underneath the Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing, culture, and public realm at Cheltenham Borough Council, said Cheltenham Playhouse "makes the world of art inclusive and accessible"."It's only right that we come together and do all we can to ensure the theatre has the funding in place to continue now and long term, for the benefit of our future generations," he added. Mr Tailford added the council would be "working closely" with Cheltenham Playhouse to see what it can do to support Burge from Cheltenham Playhouse said the theatre was "so grateful" for the grant."This grant has changed the outlook of our emergency fundraising and our first milestone is within reach, allowing us to think more positively," Mr Burge said."Along with the incredible donations we have seen from our community, this figure allows us to plan for a brighter future as we move to the second phase of our fundraising."
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Concern over winter ice rink damaging park grass
Concerns have been raised over the environmental impact that a temporary ice rink could be having on a popular park. The winter attraction at Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, provides a huge boost to the local economy throughout the Christmas period. Speaking at a planning committee meeting, Cheltenham borough councillor Glenn Andrews raised fears that with each passing year that the rink is installed, soil compaction and sunlight deprivation are slowly killing the grass underneath. However, the committee voted to allow the installation and operation of the rink for up to 75 days a year, from November to January, for the next three years. During the meeting on 22 May, Andrews said he was worried that after another three winters, the council may have to completely redo the gardens. "Every time I go into Imperial Gardens... the re-turfing isn't taking as well. That is fairly obvious," he said. "I do worry about soil compaction. We've got three whole years, and winter is the time when traditionally those gardens would regenerate. "I think on ecological grounds I'm against this." According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, head of planning Chris Gomm said he was not aware that soil compaction was an issue assessed by the case officer. "The condition that requires the land to be reinstated to its former condition would also apply to the flowerbeds and the grass, to make sure they are healthy post deconstruction," he said. Councillor Frank Allen added the economic benefit it brings to the town outweighed any potential ecological issues. "The ice rink is one of our best features in the winter. We would do well to keep on preserving that," he said. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Town ice rink set to return for festive season Christmas ice rink leads to £74k council shortfall Cheltenham Borough Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for 4,115-home development approved
The development of a new town serving almost 9,000 people has been given the go-ahead by two local councils. The Elms Park development, near Cheltenham and just off junction 10 of the M5, is expected to be developed in phases over 20 years. The plans were approved by Tewkesbury Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Council on Thursday, despite strong opposition. Some fear the development, which features 4,115 homes, almost 60 acres for employment land, a hotel, shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and takeaways, will have a "disastrous effect" on the area. More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire More than 100 people and seven nearby villages objected to the proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Objectors fear the development, off the A4019 Tewkesbury Road near Uckington, will lead to a huge increase in traffic and pollution, as well as overwhelming health services. They also raised concerns about the design and appearance of the housing developments, road safety, parking concerns, flood risk, overlooking and that the scheme conflicts with planning policies. However, Elms Park Consortium, which is led by housebuilders Bloor Homes and Permission, say the £2.5bn scheme will provide 1,000 affordable homes and up to 4,000 jobs will be created, including 30 apprenticeships per year during construction. Rob White, agent for the applicant, also told the meeting: "Approximately £25m will be spent on community infrastructure, including a GP healthcare centre, neighbourhoods and local community centres delivered on site." He said there would be sports facilities and a transport hub, including a 350 space park and ride interchange. The planning committee voted unanimously to approve the scheme. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Decision expected on 4,115-home development Public land set to be sold to build 4,000 homes 'Fiesta Land' owner battles plan for 4,000 homes Temporary access road proposed for 266 homes Tewkesbury Borough Council Cheltenham Borough Council
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for 4,115-home development approved
The development of a new town serving almost 9,000 people has been given the go-ahead by two local councils. The Elms Park development, near Cheltenham and just off junction 10 of the M5, is expected to be developed in phases over 20 years. The plans were approved by Tewkesbury Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Council on Thursday, despite strong opposition. Some fear the development, which features 4,115 homes, almost 60 acres for employment land, a hotel, shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and takeaways, will have a "disastrous effect" on the area. More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire More than 100 people and seven nearby villages objected to the proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Objectors fear the development, off the A4019 Tewkesbury Road near Uckington, will lead to a huge increase in traffic and pollution, as well as overwhelming health services. They also raised concerns about the design and appearance of the housing developments, road safety, parking concerns, flood risk, overlooking and that the scheme conflicts with planning policies. However, Elms Park Consortium, which is led by housebuilders Bloor Homes and Permission, say the £2.5bn scheme will provide 1,000 affordable homes and up to 4,000 jobs will be created, including 30 apprenticeships per year during construction. Rob White, agent for the applicant, also told the meeting: "Approximately £25m will be spent on community infrastructure, including a GP healthcare centre, neighbourhoods and local community centres delivered on site." He said there would be sports facilities and a transport hub, including a 350 space park and ride interchange. The planning committee voted unanimously to approve the scheme. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Decision expected on 4,115-home development Public land set to be sold to build 4,000 homes 'Fiesta Land' owner battles plan for 4,000 homes Temporary access road proposed for 266 homes Tewkesbury Borough Council Cheltenham Borough Council
