A Cheltenham man, whose home known as “Fiesta land” is under threat of demolition to pave way for 4,000 homes near the M5, fears the compensation he’s being offered won’t cover the cost of a similar property. Andrew Smith, 63, residing off Tewkesbury Road in Uckington, has been losing sleep over the stress of potentially losing his three-bedroom semi-detached former council house, which is likely to be bulldozed for the Elms Park development near junction 10 of the motorway.
Mr Smith claims that Gloucestershire County Council’s offer falls short of what he’d need to secure a comparable property in the area. Known for collecting, repairing and selling Ford cars at his property – hence the nickname “Fiesta Land” due to the 33 vehicles currently parked there – he’s now forced to sell them due to his impending relocation.
The situation has left him more stressed than ever before. “I can’t shut down” he confessed.
“I used to work for F1 and drove articulated lorries for long hours for companies who had contracts with Benetton, Prost Grand Prix and McLaren.”
Born and raised in Whaddon, Mr Smith had plans to move his 88 year old mother in with him, but fears the compensation he’s being offered will make this impossible, reports Gloucestershire Live.
He had attempted to secure planning permission for an annexe so his mother and late father could live with him, but was informed that it would be impossible due to impending redevelopment plans. “One of the last things my father said to me was look after your mother,” he recounted.
“It breaks my heart and I’ve broken down several times. I bought this house in 2002.”
“I didn’t want to sell. This is all I’ve ever wanted.”
“But as time has gone on… I tried to get mum and dad here.”
“Everything I’ve wanted to do here. I wanted to put an annexe here but planners would never allow it because of the forthcoming Elms Park.”
“I thought you know what. I’m sitting tight here until somebody makes me a sensible offer.”
“I’ve got a mortgage to settle.”
Mr Smith claims Gloucestershire County Council have indicated there are no immediate plans to demolish the properties for two years. He notes that most of the neighbouring homes have been vacant for up to a decade.
His home is included in the yet-to-be-finalised 4,115 outline planning application for Elms Park. “Mine is the only privately owned home along here,” he stated.
“I’m not against progress but they need to make me a sensible offer. Persimmon and Bloor Homes approached me years ago. They wanted to purchase me.”
He also mentioned that a highways worker hinted at a future roundabout or traffic calming feature where his house currently stands.
Mr Smith insists he’s been lowballed around £850,000 for his three-bedroom semi, despite its prime 0.2-acre spot: “They’ve offered me £850,000. You can see the cars.”
He argues market alternatives don’t match up: “What’s out there for the equivalent amount of money is just not there. They’re taking Michael.”
Smith expresses it’s not about being self-centred: “I’m not selfish. They’ve told me my property is complicated because they can’t provide me with the funds to get the equivalent or the equivalent is not out there.”
He remains open to compromise: “I’ve even said to them, find me a plot of land. Let’s agree the figure, let’s take it off the house and I’ll get a builder to build a bungalow there so I can care for my mum.”
Gloucestershire County Council keep cards close to their chest, declining to disclose details about their dealings with Mr Smith for the A4019 Tewkesbury Road expansion: “We are currently negotiating with landowners over the purchase of their property where required to facilitate delivery of the M5 Junction 10 scheme,” a spokesperson stated. “In this case the land is required to enable the associated widening of the A4019 Tewkesbury Road. GCC has presented an offer to the property owner that accounts for both the valuation of the property in accordance with relevant standards and guidance and also considers relevant compensation which acknowledges the landowner’s situation.”
“These negotiations are confidential, and we cannot comment further on these. As well as widening of the A4019 Tewkesbury Road the scheme proposals will see significant improvements to M5 Junction 10 and the creation of a new road linking Junction 10 to West Cheltenham.”
“The scheme proposals are necessary to unlock proposed and future housing and employment growth in West and North West Cheltenham.”
