A significant milestone has been achieved for Cheltenham, following the sale of a former council house with part of the garden separated off.

This unique sale to provide a building plot for two houses will see a substantial amount reinvested into the borough to benefit local residents.

The 3-bedroom semi-detached house, located in Pittville close to the park, became available in 2022. Following an extensive review of the property, the council decided that the best way to maximise value was to separate the house from part of the garden. Planning consent was then secured to sell the plot separately, with plans for two detached houses.

The original property, which required refurbishment, went on the market late last summer and was sold for over £500,000.

Planning permission for part of the garden, which was designed to reap the benefits of views of Pittville Park, was secured in autumn 2023 and the plot was sold for over £850,000.

Cllr Peter Jeffries, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and assets said: "This is yet another great example of the work we do to make sure we are delivering high value for our residents. I'd like to thank everyone involved, including our advisors, for helping us achieve this impressive milestone.

"We could have sold the house as it was, but thanks to our quick-thinking experts in the council's finance and assets team, we saw an innovative and unique opportunity to maximise the return for local taxpayers by splitting the property from part of the garden and selling them separately on the property market.

"As a result, we have a substantial amount to reinvest, so we can continue to deliver our priorities and meet the needs of the people who live in our borough."

Advisors involved included Evans Jones Planning Consultants; Coombes Everitt Architects; Rappor Engineers; Midland Survey and Perry Bishop Estate Agents, which sold both the house and the plot.