Planning permission has been granted for Cheltenham Borough Homes to deliver 24 new homes at 320 Swindon Road.

The currently unused brownfield site on the corner of Malvern Street and Swindon Road looks set to be transformed into seven new houses and 17 one and two bedroom apartments.

Outside space has been put aside for bicycle parking and bin storage as well as trees and greenery.

Cheltenham Borough Homes believes the development will bring life to the existing neighbourhood, along with boosting the local economic recovery.

The £5m project forms part of the £180m investment in homes being delivered by the housing association in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council across Cheltenham.

Parking will be provided within the complex and the new houses located on Richards Road will have driveways with off-road parking. The entrance to the complex will be off Malvern Street.

Solar panels, green roofs and low carbon construction have also been incorporated into the scheme.

Councillor Max Wilkinson, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: "The news of our first carbon neutral council homes is a really positive moment in the Cheltenham Zero project and I'd like to thank everybody involved in this innovative scheme, particularly the hardworking team at Cheltenham Borough Homes.

"We have declared a climate emergency, so it is important we set a high standard to show other house builders what Cheltenham people are demanding from new developments.

"Our £180million investment in housing is a big project for the Borough and I'm delighted these much-needed new homes can be built in a way that looks after the planet and nature too."

Councillor Mike Collins, cabinet member for Housing, Cheltenham Borough Council added: "It's great news for the people of Cheltenham that this development has now got the green light.

The current plans will really help breathe life back into this unused area for both people and nature."

Alison Salter, CBH head of development said: "This is fantastic news and we're delighted our plans to revive this part of the neighbourhood have been approved. We're passionate about creating communities and providing spaces for them to thrive.

"These new homes are designed to have a positive impact on the environment to bring residents together and boost biodiversity within the area; helping us to support Cheltenham Borough Council's commitment to be a net zero carbon council and borough by 2030."

Cheltenham Borough Homes said work will start on site in Summer 2022, after the site has been cleared.