We are disappointed with the decision to refuse planning permission for the redevelopment of Clapham Court. This project is central to our commitment to provide high-quality, affordable homes for Gloucester that meet modern living standards and benefit the local community.
The existing high-rise building is over 60 years old and no longer meets current housing demand. Each year its high maintenance costs result in a loss to GCH, significantly exceeding the income generated. These losses impact on our ability to invest in other new and existing homes, and will continue to rise if the building is retained.
Our proposal would have replaced Clapham Court with 36 modern homes, each with private space and access to a landscaped community garden, creating a more sustainable and family-friendly environment.
Guy Stenson, Chief Executive of Gloucester City Homes said ‘The plans considered by Gloucester City Council’s Planning Committee last night were submitted following two rounds of pre-application discussions, months of discussion with officers, and a full and positive review by the Gloucestershire Design Review Panel.
“We are pleased the planning officer recognised key benefits of the scheme, including better housing quality, improved energy efficiency, biodiversity gains, and a design that respects the conservation area. Removing the outdated tower block would also enhance the area’s appearance and improve living conditions for nearby residents.
“We are committed to working with the Council, residents, and stakeholders to mitigate the concerns raised by some members and resulting in the decision to refuse planning permission. We intend to resubmit our plans as soon as possible, ensuring the plans deliver maximum community benefits.
“Gloucester needs more affordable homes, especially social housing. The national housing emergency makes this more urgent than ever, and we welcome the Government’s renewed focus on ambitious housing targets, particularly on homes for social rent.
“We recognise that successfully tackling this challenge can only be achieved by collaboration, partnership working and significant investment in developing new affordable homes, as demonstrated with our plans to provide 173 new homes for the community in Podsmead. We look forward to a positive and speedy determination by the Council’s planning committee so that we can be onsite before the end of March 2025, a condition of the funding we have secured making the ambitious Podsmead scheme viable.
“Meanwhile, we will continue working towards a positive outcome for Clapham Court and remain dedicated to creating homes that improve lives and the community in Kingsholm.”
Gloucester needs more affordable homes, especially social housing. The national housing emergency makes this more urgent than ever, and we welcome the Government’s renewed focus on ambitious housing targets, particularly on homes for social rent. We will continue working towards a positive outcome for Clapham Court and remain dedicated to creating homes that improve lives and the community in Kingsholm.”