A proposed £650 million development west of Cheltenham has been described as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for the county.

It includes 1,200 new homes and a Cyber Business Park next to the GCHQ intelligence centre which could create more than 7,000 jobs.

The plans for the 327 acre site have been drawn up by the West Cheltenham consortium which includes Northern Trust Company Limited, Barberry Cheltenham Limited and Midlands Land Portfolio Limited.

The scheme is sited on arable and pastoral fields adjoining the western edge Springbank and Fiddlers Green. Although not covered by any statutory ecological or landscape designations, the site is currently located within the Green Belt.

According to the consultation documents the scheme could include 114 acres for use as a Cyber Business Park, 91 acres for new homes and 121 acres for formal and informal open spaces.

It is estimated it would generate an annual economic output of £400 million and a £30 million uplift in retail and leisure expenditure.

"The site represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a development which is responsive to its surrounding context and delivers a place to live, work and play which is unique to Cheltenham" says the consortium.

"The development will also create wide ranging economic benefits to the economy."

A consultation exercise has been launched with the public invited to give views at www.westcheltenham.com 

Illustration: West Cheltenham consortium public consultation.