Issue - decisions

On 22 February 2025, Cheltenham Borough Council received a nomination form to list Hardwick Green as an asset of community value. The nomination was submitted by St Paul's Road Area residents association - SPRA

In line with our agreed process, on 19 March 2025 the nomination form was considered by an assessment panel made up of the Head of Communities, Wellbeing and Partnerships, a representative from One Legal and myself who as Director of Communities & Economic Development, has the authority to make the decision under the Councils Constitution, part 3E.3 and Appendix A.

On 4 April, the Council was in receipt of an objection to the nomination from the University of Gloucestershire. The substantive part of the objection was that the community use of the site was ancillary to its main use as part of Hardwick Campus. The objection was discussed by the assessment team and the nominator was given the opportunity to resubmit the nomination form.

The nominator resubmitted the nomination form on 24 April 2025.

The University of Gloucestershire submitted a further letter of objection on 22 May 2025 setting out further clarifications about the site.

To further understanding of the site, myself in conjunction with the Head of Communities, Wellbeing and Partnerships undertook a site visit on 5 June 2025.

On 24 June 2025, the resubmitted nomination form, the two letters from the University, along with the notes from the site visit were considered by the assessment panel made up of the Head of Communities, Wellbeing and Partnerships, a representative from One Legal and myself.

On 3rd July 2025, the University subsequently confirmed to the Council that the sale of Hardwick Green to the Developer, completed on the 2nd July 2025.

Following consideration of the resubmitted nomination form, the two letters from the University and the notes from the site visit, my decision is that Hardwick Green be added to Cheltenham Borough Council’s list of Assets of Community Value.

The registered owner and leaseholder have been kept informed of proceedings and will be directly informed of this decision alongside the nominator. For the avoidance of doubt both the University, and the Developer will be informed of the Council’s decision.