Scenario 4: New strategic settlements

 This option would mean seeking to deliver development through one or more comprehensive, master-planned new settlements, of a minimum of around 4,000 new homes with supporting infrastructure. Currently, three such potential locations have been identified based on information submitted on behalf of landowners/promoters. The locations are around Boddington on land to the south of the A4109 between the A38 and M5 corridors. A further potential option is presented straddling the boundary of Tewkesbury Borough and the Forest of Dean between Churcham and Highnam in the south west of the SLP area. The third option lies to the east of the M5 at Ashchurch on the edge of the built-up area of Tewkesbury.

The latter option – the Tewkesbury Garden Town – was awarded Garden Town status by the Government in 2019. In this context, Tewkesbury Borough Council is currently establishing a programme to work with local people and landowners/developers to plan for a large sustainable new settlement consisting of a wide mix of homes together with the supporting infrastructure required such as schools, health, transport, green infrastructure and other community facilities. Gloucestershire County Council and National Highways are also, as the relevant local highway authorities, drawing up detailed proposals for major improvements to Junction 9 (M5). This would both address existing recognised pressures on the strategic road network as well as potentially provide the additional road capacity necessary to support the development of the proposed Garden Town. The overall planning merits of the proposed Tewkesbury Garden Town will be assessed formally through this SLP process alongside other development options being promoted by others as part of the overall development strategy for the Cheltenham – Tewkesbury – Gloucester area.

As with all options, this includes the urban capacity of Gloucester and Cheltenham as a starting point.