Golden Valley’s nature-led design wins support

IDEA (The National Cyber Innovation Centre) at Golden Valley is set to be one of the most sustainable schemes built in the UK. While keeping its use of heat and power to a minimum, the ways in which the building and surrounding development will support biodiversity has been particularly ambitious.

The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has expressed their support for two planning applications relating to phase one of the development – the southern parcel.

Their submission stated: “Green infrastructure and nature recovery are clearly embedded within the layout and design, rather than treated as residual elements. The integration of the ecological and digital spine, native-led landscape strategy, SuDS (sustainable urban drainage system) designed to function as habitat, and a biodiverse green roof provides a robust on-site approach to biodiversity delivery.

“Overall…this submission represents a strong example of how commercial-led development can successfully integrate green infrastructure, biodiversity and sensitive lighting.”

Hamer Boot, interim managing director at HBD, said: “We are pleased to have received such positive comments from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. We hope that the endorsement will give confidence to local residents and businesses as we work to protect and enhance the environment in the years ahead.”

Councillor Richard Pineger, cabinet member for climate emergency added: “One of the reasons that Cheltenham Borough Council purchased the land in West Cheltenham and went into partnership with HBD, is our desire to ensure that we could have a strong say in the quality and sustainability of the development.

‘’Through our pioneering supplementary planning document around climate change and through our work on Golden Valley, we are building a track record that supporting jobs and growth in our town does not have to come at the expense of our environment. I look forward to seeing how in the years to come the community will benefit from a more biodiverse and ecologically rich environment due to biodiversity net gain.’’

Subject to the detailed planning application being approved, construction of the first phase of Golden Valley will begin this summer. In advance of that, the main contractor B+K, will commence preparatory works on site, which will include the removal of some hedges, shrubs and  trees. This work has been carefully timed to ensure that no birds or other wildlife are nesting, and that habitats are protected,

The planning applications and comments from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust relate to the following applications: 26/00001/REM and 26/00001/REM.