Shurdington
On behalf of the developer, Bromford Housing Association, we have recently secured full planning permission for 126 new homes at the Service Village of Shurdington. Shurdington sits between Cheltenham and Gloucester, and the development comes forward through the Government’s “Grey Belt” provisions. Bromford are committed to the delivery of much needed affordable housing, as a key delivery partner of Tewkesbury Borough Council.
Zesta Planning managed the project through from the initial concept stage, right through to the granting of planning permission by the Council. This included positive initial pre-application discussions, followed by a complex negotiation of the scheme through the application process.
Through the process we had to navigate several other complex land use constraints, including the proximity of the site to the floodplain of the nearby watercourse, the close proximity of the Cotswolds National Landscape, as well as specific site access design measures to ensure the free flow of traffic in the area.
In addition to providing 126 homes, of which 50% will be affordable units, the scheme also provides a wealth of community and infrastructure improvements, including new highway and traffic signalling, public open spaces, children’s play areas, and contributions towards local schools.
The UK Government’s introduction of Grey Belt policy in December 2024 has been a game changer for the delivery of new homes across the country. It has provided massive opportunity for the delivery of much needed homes on sites that would otherwise would not have been possible. Grey Belt zoning allows the delivery of sites on land that is technically within the Green Belt, but in reality, contributes only very marginally to the Green Belt’s purpose. The delivery of 126 much needed homes between Gloucester and Cheltenham, whilst making use of the wealth of local services and facilities that Shurdington has to offer, will lead to a highly sustainable development.