Abandoned buildings on the Golden Valley development site are to be demolished due to fears over an arson attack.

The derelict Holmlea Farm site was bought by Cheltenham Borough Council as part of its Cyber Central plans.

Part of the land off Springbank Road has been turned into a carpark aimed at GCHQ workers.

But three remaining buildings have been targeted repeatedly by vandals causing a headache for residents and police.

An application 23/01823/DEMCON said the council wanted permission to "urgently" knock down the buildings to prevent further trouble.

A letter by Evans Jones on behalf of the council said: "You will appreciate that despite a concerted effort by the applicant, the local constabulary and local residents it has proven impossible to prevent the concerted efforts of local youths who are intent on causing damage to the buildings.

"From my experience of similar properties (The Paddocks Swindon Lane) the end result will be that the buildings will be subject to deliberate arson attacks.

"It has proven impossible to prevent illegal entry into the site"

Security fencing and regular patrols by guards and police officers have failed to deter the criminals from trespassing on and damaging the site.

One was even photographed standing on the roof in broad daylight.

Due to planning restrictions the council cannot use the site for housing in the interim as it would "frustrate" the Golden Valley development plans.

The application to demolish the buildings was approved on Wednesday (Nov 8).

Punchline has contacted the council for a comment.

More details of the Golden Valley development  have emerged this week- including a masterplan for the new 491-home estate.