Green light for flagship Cheltenham mixed-use scheme

HBD, part of Henry Boot, has secured outline planning consent for the first phase of the landmark £1bn Golden Valley scheme being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council.

Golden Valley is a flagship innovation and technology project adjacent to GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency.

The development will strengthen the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI, quantum technologies and secure communications, supporting national security, economic resilience and industry expansion.

The outline planning consent allows for a development comprising of around 300,000m² of prime commercial space, including IDEA, the new National Cyber Innovation Centre referred to in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, as well as 576 residential units of various tenures, supporting Cheltenham’s housing needs.

Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: ”This is excellent news; securing outline planning consent for the first phase marks a significant step forward in the delivery of Golden Valley.

“We are aware that there are a number of planning obligations that have to be formalised through the conclusion of the Section 106 agreement, and we also acknowledge how important our partnership working will be with colleagues at the county council to secure infrastructure commitments so that we can deliver the full benefits of Golden Valley to our local communities.”

Dr Marsha Quallo-Wright, GCHQ Director of Technology Futures, said: “We welcome this decision and are pleased to confirm our presence on this important project. We look forward to working alongside academia and industry to enhance our ability to address emerging security challenges, foster innovation and support the region’s growth. By strengthening these collaborations, we will tap into new expertise, share knowledge and help shape the skills needed for the future, all of which are vital to supporting our mission to keep the UK safe.”