You might need more space, or feel that you want to downsize. It could be that you’re getting your foot on the property ladder or simply searching for a sense of independence with your own space. Our homes are important – and the simple fact is that we need more of them.

Delivering new affordable homes to meet our residents’ housing needs is not just a corporate priority for Cheltenham Borough Council, it’s the right thing to do, and we continue to make positive progress in this area.

The Council has completed 194 affordable homes since April 2020, and we continue to work at pace towards delivering our target of completing 450 affordable homes between 2023/24 and 2027/28.

Our Major Developments Team plays an active role in delivering much-needed affordable housing. This is seen at 320 Swindon Road, a high-quality, energy-efficient new development that will include 24 affordable homes, of which 17 will be social rented and the remaining seven will be shared ownership. This scheme is due for completion in 2026.

In addition to 320 Swindon Road, we are progressing the development at Monkscroft School, which has recently been granted planning permission to include 70 new, highly energy-efficient, affordable homes for local residents.

Meeting local housing needs

The Council also works closely with developers to secure new affordable housing that meets local housing needs. For example, the Council’s purchase of 70 new affordable homes on the Elms Park strategic allocation, working in partnership with Persimmon Homes, reflects the Council’s clear commitment to delivering new affordable housing at scale, with on-site completions due throughout 2025.

Lastly, you may have heard about our flagship ‘Golden Valley Development’ near GCHQ which will host a state-of-the-art cyber security centre alongside over 350 affordable homes.

I believe it is important that your council continues to prioritise the delivery of homes for local residents and that together we create a strong sense of community in our town.