Anxious wait for decision on regeneration scheme

A housing association faces a nervous wait for a decision on whether a regeneration scheme can go-ahead in time to secure millions of pounds of funding.

The £50m scheme in Podsmead, Gloucester, has a 31 March deadline for work to start to unlock £20m from government body Homes England.

Gloucester City Homes (GCH) submitted a detailed planning application to Gloucester City Council in June and said any delays in approval could jeopardise the funding.

The council said it could not comment on live planning applications but is expected to make a decision next month.

The proposals include 173 new homes, shops, a community space and the area's first pharmacy.

Guy Stenson, chief executive of GCH said: "We can only access that money [£20m] if we're physically on site before 31 March and we can't be physically on site until we have planning permission approved.

"We have everything lined up. But if planning permission doesn't come through until the very last days of March, it's not going to happen. If it comes through after March then sadly we've lost the £20m, which would be devastating."

GCH said the scheme represents a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise the area", enhancing housing, community spaces, and infrastructure.

It would see the creation of new recreational spaces, including a BMX pump track, a multi-use sports area and expanded greenery for communal gardens.

There would also be improved road layouts, cycling and pedestrian routes for better connectivity and safety.

Mr Stenson said some of the area's current homes "have seen better days".

"That is why we're really committed to doing the scheme and it's vital we can put in this investment," he said.

"Some are not homes we want for the future, those are the ones that are earmarked to be demolished so we can rebuild."