A development of Cheltenham flats has gone from being dubbed the "worst in years" to gaining approval after a complete design overhaul.

Plans submitted last year to demolish 86-90 Winchcombe Street and build 26 homes were slated by Cheltenham Civic Society  and Historic England.

They said the design did not respect the town's historic character or contributed positively to the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area.

The three-storey Regency building was formerly used by charity the St Vincent's and St George's Association, now known as Aim Up, as its Phoenix Centre. It became available when it decided not to renew its lease in December 2022.

The building was delisted as a Grade II listed building in 2022 by Historic England after an application by the owner.

The Society said this should not automatically deem the structure as worthless. It urged the developer to scrap its "ugly" and "overwhelming" plans and instead consider renovating the existing structure.

Applicant Alan Vine has now gained approval for revised plans which will see most of the three-storey Regency building retained and transformed into 18 flats named Pulteney House.

The development will include a front extension, set-back mansard roof and topiary garden. The existing property will be restored using traditional materials such as off-white lime mortar, Georgian sash windows and decorative ironwork.

Inside the property will house two one-bed flats for single occupancy, 10 one-bed flats for couples and six two-bed flats.There will be a communal courtyard, cycle store and scooter store on the ground floor.

Cheltenham Civic Society and Historic England did not object to the revised scheme but two other people did stating concerns including overbearing, lack of cycle storage and parking and the units not meeting nationally described space standards. There was one letter of support for the scheme.

A report by officers at Cheltenham Borough Council said the conservation officer had not identified harm and the development was "well composed" and did not try to "slavishly imitate" the neighbouring Regency architecture.

It added: "Officers are therefore wholly satisfied that the development of the site for residential purposes will result enhancement to the area and given the current shortage of housing within the borough, the public benefit of the residential use is this highly sustainable location are apparent."