Decision details

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the findings of the review of vacant premises in five town centre streets - Cambray Place, The Strand, High Street, The Promenade and Montpellier – are noted;

2.    the council is recommended, in partnership with Cheltenham BID and with engagement from the Cheltenham Economic Advisory Board, to develop an action plan to be presented back to Cabinet in September 2023 setting out how the recommendations will be delivered in partnership with local business organisations.

3.    the council is recommended to work proactively with other organisations and developers, as well as through its own powers and resources, to enable and support more town centre living in unused and underused spaces to provide much needed accommodation and increase footfall to the high street.

4.    the council, as local planning authority, is recommended to continue to apply national and local planning policies in dealing with the impact of structural changes in the high street, and can look to develop helpful future planning policies, including the promotion of conversion to residential uses to maximise brownfield development and increase efficiency in land use.