Concerns Arise Over Proposal to Substitute Tower Block with Housing Development

A proposal to dismantle a multi-story residential building and construct 36 new residences in its place has generated apprehension regarding parking provisions. Gloucester City Homes intends to raze Clapham Court, located in Kingsholm, and undertake a redevelopment of the plot. The submitted plan, scheduled for review by Gloucester City Council’s planning committee during the upcoming week, encompasses the construction of 36 dwellings, a communal garden, and a pharmacy. Approximately 16 local residents have formally opposed these plans, citing worries about parking availability, given that the proposal allocates merely nine parking spots. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the residential units would be distributed across three separate structures. This forthcoming development, situated on the land adjacent to Alvin Street, is planned to feature two and three-story terraced houses, a six-story apartment building, and a pharmacy. Liberal Democrat councillor Jeremy Hilton lodged a formal objection and requested that the proposals be presented to the committee for consideration. Councillor Hilton stated that while he does not object to the fundamental concept of redevelopment, he is troubled by the insufficient parking provisions, noting that former occupants “mostly didn’t have a car”. He further elaborated: “The change to 84 rooms in 36 one to four bedroomed homes will dramatically change the demographics of the new tenants.“They will be younger, live in family units of two or more and will much more likely have motor vehicles.“The provision of nine spaces is woefully inadequate.” Gloucester City Homes indicated that the current tower had “been described by city policy as poorly design, bulky and ‘slab’-like, which is visible within the city skyline and competes with historic structures”. They asserted that constructing new buildings of reduced height would lessen the visual impact on the skyline and afford clearer distant views of the cathedral and other historical features. Planning officials have advised the committee to deny the planning permission request. They contend that the proposed development would result in considerable overlooking and overbearing effects, alongside an adverse impact on natural light for one specific property, which would be substantially detrimental to the residents’ living conditions. Councillors are slated to review these proposals during their meeting scheduled for 3 December. For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.