The detailed planning application for Golden Valley’s first phase in west Cheltenham has been formally backed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust for putting biodiversity and environmental performance at the heart of its design.
The reserved matters application for phase one, which includes IDEA – the National Cyber Innovation Centre – has been recognised for embedding green infrastructure and nature recovery into the masterplan from the outset.
Positioned as one of the most sustainable commercial schemes built in the UK, according to developers, IDEA is designed to minimise its use of heat and power while maximising environmental benefit. Alongside energy efficiency measures, the development sets out an ambitious approach to biodiversity net gain in Gloucestershire, integrating habitat creation directly into the fabric of the site.
In its submission supporting the planning applications, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust praised the scheme’s commitment to ecological design, stating: 'Green infrastructure and nature recovery are clearly embedded within the layout and design, rather than treated as residual elements. The integration of the ecological and digital spine, native-led landscape strategy, SuDS (sustainable urban drainage system) designed to function as habitat and a biodiverse green roof provides a robust on-site approach to biodiversity delivery.'
The trust added that the plans represent a strong example of how commercial-led development can successfully integrate green infrastructure, biodiversity and sensitive lighting – setting a benchmark for sustainable development in Cheltenham and beyond.
At the centre of the proposals is a carefully considered ecological and digital spine, connecting green spaces across the site while supporting wildlife corridors. A native-led planting strategy will prioritise species that enhance local ecosystems, while the sustainable urban drainage system is designed not only to manage water, but to function as habitat in its own right. With a biodiverse green roof further strengthening on-site nature recovery.
Hamer Boot, interim managing director at the developer behind the Golden Valley project, HBD, said the endorsement is an important milestone for the development.
He said: 'We are pleased to have received such positive comments from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. We hope that the endorsement will give confidence to local residents and businesses as we work to protect and enhance the environment in the years ahead.'
Cheltenham Borough Council, which purchased the land in west Cheltenham and entered into partnership with HBD, has consistently positioned Golden Valley as a catalyst for both economic growth and climate-conscious development.
Councillor Richard Pineger, cabinet member for climate emergency, explains that sustainability has been central to the council’s ambitions from the beginning.
'One of the reasons that Cheltenham Borough Council purchased the land in west Cheltenham, and went into partnership with HBD, is our desire to ensure that we could have a strong say in the quality and sustainability of the development.
Adding: 'We are building a track record that supporting jobs and growth in our town does not have to come at the expense of our environment. I look forward to seeing how in the years to come the community will benefit from a more biodiverse and ecologically rich environment due to the increase in biodiversity net gain.'
Subject to approval of the detailed planning application, construction of phase one of Golden Valley is set to begin in the summer of 2026.
In advance, main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland will start preparatory works on site, including the removal of selected hedges, shrubs and trees. These works are said to have been 'carefully timed' to avoid nesting season and ensure wildlife and habitats are protected.
As Cheltenham’s cyber and innovation development moves closer to delivery, Golden Valley is positioning itself not only as a national centre for cyber security and digital excellence, but as a blueprint for how commercial growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
