Bloor Homes ran a six week online public consultation programme regarding the outline principles of Willowbrook Phase 1 from 26 January to 6 March 2026. This involved providing information via this dedicated website with a feedback form to gather initial thoughts and suggestions from local residents and stakeholders.

The project website was promoted in the following ways:

• Regional media: Distribution of a press release which generated substantial regional media coverage
• Print advertising: Placement of an advertisement in the Gloucestershire Echo on Thursday 29 January 2026
• Direct mail (initial): Delivery of 2,100 letters to the nearest properties on the Tewkesbury Road, in Elmstone Hardwicke, Springbank and Uckington between 24 and 26 January 2026
• Direct mail (follow up): A second delivery of the letter to approximately 155 nearest residents on the Tewkesbury Road, in Elmstone Hardwicke, Springbank and Uckington on 15 February 2026

Local elected representatives were contacted prior to the distribution of the direct mail letters, to make them aware of the proposal and were proactively offered briefings and meetings. Contact was made via email and telephone calls to the Parish Councils nearest to the site, including Uckington, Elmstone Hardwicke, Boddington and Swindon Village. A constructive meeting was held with some members if Swindon Village Parish Council.  The ward councillors and neighbouring ward councillors for Tewkesbury and Cheltenham Borough councils, Gloucestershire County Council and the MPs for Tewkesbury and Cheltenham were also informed.

By the end of the consultation period the website had more than 1,200 visitors with the vast majority coming directly to the site. More than 35 feedback forms were completed and submitted prior to the deadline.

Some feedback expressed concern about the scale of housing development in the region and specifically within northwest Cheltenham, as well as the subsequent loss of green fields. The top three areas of concern for local residents included the impact on the transportation infrastructure, loss of countryside, habitats and views, and lack of available healthcare and school places. 

Feedback was also received which was in favour of the Park and Ride facility, a new primary school and the intention to keep significant areas of open space within the proposed development area. Many residents commented that they felt the information on the website had helped them to better understand the proposals.

There was also a request for further information about the details of the proposals as they develop.