A Government hearing will be held to decide an appeal over plans to build 350 homes in Cheltenham.

Councillors threw out the proposals in May 2022 for a housing estate off Shurdington Road, declaring them too damaging to the environment.

Housebuilder Miller Homes is now challenging the decision by Cheltenham Borough Council and the case will go before the Planning Inspectore this summer.

The original application (20/01788/FUL) for the 350 homes was first submitted in October 2020 and garnered more than 200 objections.

It was recommended for approval by officers but refused by the planning committee in April 2022.

They said they went against its 'Climate Emergency' commitment to become net zero by 2030 due to the installation of gas boilers throughout, instead of low carbon heat pumps, and the failure to maximise the use of solar panels.

However, a letter dated March 24 submitted as part of the appeals process states the Secretary of State believes the proposal "would not be likely to have significant effect on the environment".

If the plans are pushed through the estate would be 40% affordable housing with 140 homes made up of 41 social rented homes, 57 affordable rented homes and 42 shared ownership homes.

The other homes would be a mix of 49 two-bed, 116 three-bed, 40 four-bed and five five-bed.

Both pirates have until May 22 to submit their appeal case with the hearing due to take place on July 4.