Golden Valley secures Reserved Matters approval

The Golden Valley development has achieved Reserved Matters planning approval for its first phase, marking a major milestone for the flagship development and enabling construction to begin on site.

The £1 billion scheme is being delivered by HBD, part of Henry Boot, in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council.

The project will create a cyber and tech innovation campus, where companies will work on the future of national security and defence, as part of a nationally significant ecosystem.

The approval represents a significant step forward as Golden Valley moves into delivery.

Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to deliver the project’s first phase, which received resolution to grant outline planning consent in July 2025.

The project also saw plans for its second phase unveiled last year.

HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council will now work alongside Savills to identify a suitable delivery partner for the development of the residential scheme.

Development details

The first phase of Golden Valley includes IDEA, a 160,000 sq ft building which will focus on the region’s established strengths in security technology, supporting the clustering of expertise across fast-growing sectors such as cyber, AI and secure communications, while creating an environment capable of attracting global businesses and investment.

The scheme has been designed to accelerate collaboration with Government, SMEs, start-ups, large tech firms, universities and investors.

ROUTER is also part of phase one, supporting sustainable movement through Golden Valley and beyond. It will provide advanced cycle facilities, e-bike charging, showers and lockers, alongside real-time transport information.

The building will also include 453 car parking spaces, helping to address long-term infrastructure needs, as well as convenience retail and leisure amenities designed to benefit occupiers, residents and the wider community.

Additionally, a resolution to grant outline planning permission has been secured for the northern parcel at Golden Valley, which will deliver up to 443 new homes alongside supporting infrastructure, including land for a new primary school and local amenities.

The site forms part of Golden Valley’s wider Garden Community vision, which will create a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood where technology, innovation and residential living come together.

Once complete, the wider Golden Valley scheme is expected to deliver over 2,500 homes, around 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space and up to 12,000 jobs, alongside a network of green spaces and community infrastructure.

Comments

Hamer Boot, interim managing director at HBD, said: “Reserved Matters approval for phase one is a significant step forward for Golden Valley and marks the transition from planning into delivery.

“As we move onto site, we are bringing to life a development that will play an important role in strengthening the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI and advanced technologies.

“Through strong partnerships and a clear long-term vision, Golden Valley will bring together industry, academia and government to drive innovation, support economic resilience and establish Cheltenham as a globally recognised destination for cyber and advanced technologies.”

Gareth Edmundson, chief executive at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “Golden Valley securing Reserved Matters approval is a hugely important milestone for Cheltenham and for the wider region.

“It means we can now move forward with delivering a development that will create new jobs and training opportunities, support skills development and innovation, and strengthen our position at the forefront of cyber and technology.

“Working in partnership, we are creating a place that not only benefits our communities but also contributes to the UK’s national priorities and enhances Cheltenham’s growing international reputation in this sector.”