Golden Valley, housing delivery, net zero ambitions continue as top priorities for Cheltenham

Delivering Cheltenham’s ambition to become cyber capital of the UK, through Golden Valley, remains a top priority for the borough council’s new cabinet.

The project to develop a vibrant and pioneering garden community, integrating hi-tech businesses with new homes and community uses, alongside the highest standards of environmental sustainability, design and place-making is just part of the £1 billion project. It includes commercial space clustering companies from the tech sectors such as cybersecurity, AI and others, all located 100 metres from GCHQ and more than 1,000 new homes across a variety of types, tenures, and sizes to meet all needs.

The continued delivery of affordable housing, tackling climate change and ensuring future growth and prosperity for the town, remain at the heart of the council’s activities.

Following the recent local election – when all 40 seats were up for election due to ward boundary changes – leader Cllr Rowena Hay, has announced new cabinet roles, which will lead the delivery of the council’s key aims.

The portfolios and new cabinet leads are as follows:

Councillor Rowena Hay
Leader of the council

Councillor Peter Jeffries
Deputy leader and cabinet member for major developments and housing delivery

Councillor Victoria Atherstone
Cabinet member for safety and communities

Councillor Flo Clucas
Cabinet member for housing and customer services

Councillor Mike Collins
Cabinet member for planning and building control

Councillor Iain Dobie
Cabinet member for climate emergency

Councillor Martin Horwood
Cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing and culture

Councillor Alisha Lewis
Cabinet member for finance and assets

Councillor Izaac Tailford
Cabinet member for waste, recycling and public realm

Cllr Rowena Hay, council leader, said: “As a forward thinking, highly ambitious council, I am proud of all that we have achieved and will continue to achieve, as I announce my new cabinet. 

‘’Recent years have been difficult for everyone and we continue to put people and our communities first, with high quality housing and community investment, strong partnership working and promotion of, and equal access to, healthier lifestyles.

‘’Our investment into Cheltenham means that the high street in particular, continues to punch above its weight and through Golden Valley, we are creating an internationally significant hub for cyber security, which will protect Cheltenham’s future with jobs, training and career opportunities, as well as creating a sustainable, green community helping us to achieve some of our net zero targets.

‘’We have a lot to do and we are excited about all that is in front of us. I am confident that under the direction and guidance of my newly formed cabinet, we are in good hands.’’