Promenade's controversial marquee to be replaced

Marquees put up outside Superdry co-founder Julian Dunkerton's boutique hotel will be removed, ending a six year planning row.

The white tents were erected outside the Grade II listed venue No 131 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in 2020 when planning rules were relaxed to allow outdoor dining and support businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The structure for the outdoor dining area, which has been in place ever since, will be replaced with a new terrace, with works to start later in July.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the project is expected to finish in October, more than a year after the plans were approved.

During the pandemic a relaxation period allowed hospitality venues to set up outdoor spaces which meant people could follow social distancing requirements.

Despite the measures ending in 2022, a long-planning battle over the marquees followed and after a bid to keep them for another two years were rejected that year.

The decision was then upheld by a planning inspector in summer 2023, and the council began enforcement action, which has been the subject of an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

Cheltenham Civic Society previously said it supported the enforcement, describing the marquees as "tatty tents".

The project will see the removal of the existing temporary tents and the creation of a new terrace with a slim, metal pergola which will have a retractable roof.

Dunkerton said: "The new terrace will create an exceptional space for guests while enhancing the appearance of the Promenade and supporting the town's thriving hospitality and tourism economy."

The hotel and restaurant will remain open during the works.

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