A planning application for the redevelopment of North Place car park has been submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council.

Plans from Wavensmere Homes and BBS Capital are for 153 houses and apartments for the development known as Arkle Court, which proposes to 'sensitively enhance the street scene' alongside the Grade II* listed St Margaret's Terrace.

Designed by architects Glancy Nicholls, the proposals are for 75 three-bedroom three-storey townhouses, and a four-storey building containing 78 one- and two-bedroom apartments, which aim to complement and echo Cheltenham's Regency properties.

The plans also include multiple areas of landscaped open space, with the opportunity for a public art installation and space for murals to be created as part of the Cheltenham Paint Festival. Vehicle, pedestrian and cycle access will be from North Place.

Ben Clarke, technical director of Wavensmere Homes, said: "Following consultation with local people, stakeholders and the planning department, we are very pleased to have now lodged this significant planning application, which would transform an unattractive blot on Cheltenham's townscape. Arkle Court is designed to complement the range of quality restaurants and shops at The Brewery Quarter and will continue the renaissance of the St Paul's area.

"The detailed plans we have put forward include both apartments and townhouses, as we want to offer young professionals, families and older people appropriate and attainable new homes that enable them to significantly lower their carbon footprint.

"The scheme design overcomes the various site complexities, will greatly enhance the street scene along North Place and St Margaret's Road, and is entirely reflective of the principles of Cheltenham's Central Conservation Area."

The proposed residential scheme is gas-free with a target A-rated energy performance. Local, sustainable, low carbon materials will be specified, along with energy saving technology including air sourced heat pumps, solar PV and centralised mechanical ventilation.

The environmental impact of the project has been carefully considered to deliver sustainable drainage and biodiversity net gains in excess of the upcoming regulation changes. Each house is designed with dedicated parking, which will be served by 7kW EV car chargers to ensure the scheme is future proofed.

Adam McPartland, director of Glancy Nicholls Architects, said: "In crafting our vision for this contemporary housing scheme within central Cheltenham, we've drawn inspiration from the rich historical tapestry of the area.

"This planning submission embodies our commitment to addressing local housing needs, while creating sustainable homes and spaces that resonate with the local community."

Cllr Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: ''This is another step in bringing the North Place redevelopment site forward. Subject to planning, this multi-million-pound project has the potential to re-purpose brownfield land and deliver new investment and jobs.

"The proposed and much-needed homes will see highly sustainable and attainable housing for professionals, families and older people in an area where people want to live and work. This development is set to showcase a shining example of what can be achieved when the borough council and developers work together to realise their ambitions and create something really special for the benefit of Cheltenham.''

The redevelopment of the North Place car park will connect Pittville Park through North Place, to The Brewery Quarter, the Lower High Street Poundland site - which will see a mixed-use redevelopment - through to the Minter Exchange co-working and events space (opening later this year).

Birmingham-based Wavensmere Homes is currently constructing three major urban regeneration schemes - in central Birmingham, Derby city centre and Ipswich, and has five further developments, including the £150m Wolverhampton Canalside South project in the immediate pipeline. It has around 3,500 new homes either under construction or in planning.

In 2013, the council awarded planning permission for a large supermarket and 143 new homes for North Place, but it didn't go ahead and the site continued to be used as a car park.