Gloucester's skyline is set to change as the city's only high-rise tower block, Clapham Court, is being demolished.
The planning committee green-lit the tower block's demolition this October 2026, allowing owner Gloucester City Homes to replace the 11-storey 1960s tower block on Alvin Street in Kingsholm with a new development of 34 one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes, as well as a landscaped community garden, children's play area, and a new pharmacy.
The current tower block is comprised of 80 one-bedroom flats for over 55s and only has one long-term resident, while the new plans are for a mix of 13 houses and 21 flats, which will all be offered for social rent, with two parking areas offering a total of 21 spaces.
Gloucester City Homes first applied for planning permission to redevelop Clapham Court in 2024, but permission was refused and the layout was redesigned following a further consultation with residents and stakeholders.
It says the new development has been designed to meet the changing needs of the city and enhance the area with high-quality community spaces and facilities, though according to Local Democracy Reporter Carmelo Garcia, existing residents raised concerns of 'parking gridlock' on the already congested Alvin Street – a sentiment that was echoed by councillors during the meeting.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton said with the demographic changing to families and couples, car ownership will go up 'considerably', and called for the council to allow only one residential parking permit per unit.
Other councillors supported the scheme, including Barton and Tredworth councillor Roseanna Marshall, who acknowledged the parking issues, but said: 'We need more affordable housing. We need to demolish this building and get rid of that eyesore to create new affordable homes for houses.'
Despite the parking concerns, the planning committee approved the redevelopment plans, with one councillor abstaining.
Gloucester City Homes' CEO, Guy Stenson, said: 'This is an important moment for Kingsholm and for Gloucester. There is a real need for high-quality, affordable homes that help families and young people put down roots, build secure futures, and create opportunities for the next generation.
'We’ve listened carefully to residents and worked closely with the council to create a scheme that supports their aspirations for Kingsholm and deliver lasting benefits for the wider community.
'This investment will create energy-efficient homes that are affordable to live in and that are designed to give local families the stability they need to thrive.
'We will continue to work with residents, partners and the local community as we move to the next stage of the project.'
Demolition works are due to begin before the end of 2026, with Gloucester City Homes saying it will be a 'slow and carefully planned operation seeking to minimise disruption to the neighbouring community.'
