Frequently asked questions

Who will the new homes be for?

All new homes will be made available for social rent or shared ownership. The breakdown is as follows:

  • 1-bedroom flats - social rent
  • 2-bedroom flats - social rent
  • 2 and 3-bedroom houses - shared ownership

There will be no private housing included in this development.

Will the homes be available to private buyers?

No. All homes in this scheme are for affordable housing only - including social rent and shared ownership. No private sale units are planned.

What is shared ownership?

Shared ownership is affordable housing aimed at helping people who cannot afford to purchase a property on the open market.

  • Buyers can purchase a share of a home, usually between 25 percent and 75 percent
  • The remaining share is owned by Cheltenham Borough Council. The part-owner will pay a subsidised rent linked to the retail price index (RPI)
  • The buyer will usually need to pay a minimum deposit of 5 percent of their share of the property
  • The scheme is available to households earning less than £80,000 per year

This scheme helps address affordability challenges by offering a steppingstone towards full home ownership.

How can I apply for one of the new homes?

Social rent properties will be advertised via Homeseeker Plus.  We will allocate these homes to people on our housing waiting list.

You can apply for a shared ownership property via the leaseholder team. We will advertise these homes when they are closer to completion.

How will construction impact current residents?

Speller Metcalfe, the main contractor, will make every effort to minimise disruption. However, residents should expect some noise and disturbance during various stages of the build.

Key measures include:

  • Temporary footpath closures along the site perimeter, with clear signage and alternative pedestrian routes
  • Speed bumps on either side of the Swindon Road crossing to slow traffic near the site

How will construction traffic be managed around Swindon Road roundabout?

To minimise disruption:

  • Where possible, we will restrict deliveries to between 9 am and 4 pm to avoid peak travel times
  • A local traffic marshal or gate person will manage site deliveries and coordinate traffic movements

When will construction start, and how long will it last?

Construction is scheduled to begin in winter 2025, and is currently due to be completed in summer 2027.

Before the main building work can begin, essential utility services like electricity, gas, water, and drainage need to be installed. These are known as "enabling works" and must be partly finished first, as they are needed to support the rest of the construction process.

I’m an existing tenant – what measures are in place to ensure my home remains sustainable?

We are committed to sustainability across the development. We will let existing tenants know about measures we’re taking to ensure homes remain energy-efficient and fit for the future.

How energy-efficient and sustainable will the new homes be? 

The goal is to make the new homes as energy-efficient as possible. We’re, aiming for net-zero carbon, meaning the homes will produce as much energy as they use. This will depend on the final design and construction plans. Once the design is confirmed, each home will have specific energy-saving targets, and they will be built to meet those standards. 

When will the site be cleared and new hoarding installed? 

Site works are expected to begin in winter 2025. Before this can happen, we are waiting for confirmation from utility providers about when their enabling works will take place. In the meantime, the existing hoarding around the site will be upgraded to ensure public safety as preparations get underway. 
 
The new hoarding will be installed over the winter months. This will include full boarding on Richard Road, and fully enclosed, removable hoarding on Malvern and Bridge Street.

Will there be site security? 

Yes. A comprehensive security system will be in place, including: 

  • CCTV cameras and lighting 
  • Motion-triggered video surveillance 
  • A real-time alert system notifying intruders they are being monitored 
  • Out-of-hours surveillance monitored off-site, with a guaranteed 20-minute response time in the event of a breach 

The security company used will be fully insured and accredited.