Published on 16th November 2023

Fire engine

An empty outbuilding at Holmlea Farm, Springbank Road, was damaged by fire yesterday evening. The building is one of a number properties on the council owned site, which are set for demolition

Police are investigating the cause of the fire and the site has since been made safe.  No-one was reported to be harmed by the fire.

Planning permission was recently granted for demolition of a two storey house, a bungalow and a single storey garage on the site. A number of agricultural buildings will also be removed as part of the demolition – one of which has been damaged by the fire -  planning permission is not required to demolish these buildings. 

The council purchased the land in 2019 and due to increasing amounts of anti-social behaviour happening on site, plans for demolition were brought forward.

The demolition will be carried out in stages, with careful control of noise and dust during the works.

Councillor Mike Collins, cabinet member for cyber, regeneration and commercial income said: ‘’Whilst we do not yet know the cause of the fire to one of the buildings, we are aware that the site continues to attract anti-social behaviour which is a worry for the police and those living in the nearby area. Following the disconnection of utilities and putting in place health and safety measures, we will be going ahead with demolition, which will leave the site clear and safe, ready for the next stages as we move forward with Golden Valley.’’

Following demolition, the site will be left tidy and clear, with crushed brickwork being re-used in future construction, on the same site, as part of the upcoming Golden Valley development. The £1bn development aims to make Cheltenham the U.K.’s cyber capital, centred around an innovation centre and mobility hub, with 1 million square foot of commercial space, 1,000 low carbon homes to rent or buy, green spaces and a primary school.

The demolition is separate to the wider planning application – which has recently been submitted -  to develop the site.

For further information about the demolition and to see all related planning application documents, visit the public access portal, reference 23/01823/DEMCON.

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