Cheltenham Borough Council's Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 16 October 2025 to discuss several planning applications, a tree preservation order, and an appeal update. The meeting will cover a range of topics, from proposed developments to the preservation of trees, offering insights into the council's approach to planning and development in the area. It is important to remember that the committee has not yet convened, so no decisions have been made.

Swindon Playing Field Catering Trailer

The committee will consider planning application 25/01160/FUL for the installation of a catering trailer, A-frame signs, and a queue management barrier at Swindon Playing Field on Wymans Lane. The application from Shire Box seeks permission to operate between 07:00 and 18:00, with the trailer removed outside these hours.

Councillor Flo Clucas requested the application be brought before the committee, raising concerns about the number of trailers mentioned, the impact of opening hours on playtimes, loss of parking spaces, proximity to the play area, and potential noise from cooking equipment.

Swindon Parish Council has objected to the application, citing concerns about parking, litter, pests, odours, potential flooding, and noise from a generator.

The report pack notes that the applicant stated that:

In late 2023/early 2024, Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) identified Swindon Village Park as one of several viable sites that businesses could apply to trade from (as well as Hatherley Park, Hartley Lane and Sandford Park).

The planning officer's report identifies the key issues as the design and siting of the trailer, its impact on the conservation area, its impact on neighbouring amenity, and access and highway safety.

High Street Adult Gaming Centre

The committee will consider planning application 25/01141/CONDIT, which seeks to vary condition 4 of planning permission 23/00452/COU for 218 High Street, currently occupied by Admiral Casino. The applicant, Luxury Leisure, wants to extend the opening hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The report pack notes that Councillor Collins requested the application be brought before the committee due to the level of public interest and concerns raised during the public consultation.

The planning officer's report states that the key considerations are the impact on neighbouring amenity, public safety, and the viability and vitality of the town centre.

The report pack notes that the council's environmental health officer has reviewed a noise impact assessment submitted by the applicant and has raised no objection to the proposal. The Crime Prevention Officer has also reviewed the application and has raised a number of queries, to which the applicant has provided a response.

The Cheltenham Chamber Of Commerce has objected to the application, citing concerns about public safety, wellbeing, and the responsible management of Cheltenham's night-time economy.

Glenfall House

The committee will consider applications 25/01260/CONDIT and 25/01281/CONDIT relating to Glenfall House, Mill Lane, Charlton Kings. The applicant, Mr and Mrs Bunner, seeks to remove condition 9 and vary other conditions of planning permission 23/01424/FUL and listed building consent 23/01424/LBC. The proposed amendment would remove the holiday accommodation use restriction on five accommodation units within the replacement extension/outbuildings, enabling them to be used as independent, self-contained dwellings.

The planning officer's report identifies the key issues as the principle of new housing development in this location, highway safety, and the impact on the significance of the designated heritage assets.

The report pack notes that Councillor Day requested the application be brought before the committee, stating that previous concerns raised by officers have been adequately addressed within the supporting information.

Charlton Kings Parish Council has objected to the application, stating that the absence of any sensible access to local facilities on foot, by bicycle or public transport means that the proposal for the site for additional independent dwellings is not sustainable development.

The Cotswolds National Landscape Board has been consulted on the application, but has not provided a comprehensive response.

South Bank Extension

The committee will discuss planning application 25/01043/FUL for a proposed two-storey side extension at 9 South Bank. The applicant is Councillor Ashleigh Davies.

The planning officer's report identifies the key issues as design, impact on neighbouring amenity, and sustainable development.

The report pack notes that Gloucestershire Highways, acting as the Local Highways Authority, have been consulted on the application and have raised no objection.

Mitford Lodge Tree Preservation Order

The committee will consider application 24/00828/TPO regarding a tree preservation order (TPO) for an oak tree at the rear of Mitford Lodge, Tivoli Road. The tree is described as a large and old tree whose size and significance are clear.

The report pack notes that the owner objected to the TPO, stating that they had decided to withdraw their works proposal and had a new work spec prepared with an alternative contractor. A neighbour at Cumberland Lawn echoed this reasoning.

The planning officer's report states that a threat to a high value tree has been established and that a TPO is expedient and appropriate for this tree.

Appeal Update

The committee will note the report of the Head of Planning on planning appeals. The report provides an overview of all planning appeals that have been received by the council since the previous meeting of the Planning Committee.