Cheltenham man's 'Fiesta Land' home is facing demolition
A Cheltenham mans home dubbed as ‘Fiesta Land’ is facing demolition to make way for 4000 new homes.
Last updated 23rd Oct 2024
Cheltonian Andrew Smith who has owned his home for over 20 years is facing saying goodbye as Gloucestershire County Council want to make way for a 4,115-home development near the M5.
Mr Smiths property is home to 33 Ford cars that he collects, repairs and sells earning it the name ‘Fiesta Land’.
The 63 year old fears he won’t be able to buy a similar sized home for the amount of money he is being offered by the council and is sadly putting his beloved Fords up for sale because of his ‘Forced’ relocation. Mr Smith says he has never been so stressed in his life.
Smith bought the former council house in 2002 and had wanted to build an annexe onto his land to move his mother and late father into but was told he would be denied planning permission due to the upcoming redevelopment.
Gloucestershire County Council have offered Mr Smith a sum of £850,000 but he believes he should be offered more for the three-bed semi-detached house due to the 2.2 acre location.
“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.” He Said.
Mr Smith says Gloucestershire County Council have told him there are no plans to knock the properties down for two years, a spokesperson for Gloucestershire County council said they cannot comment on their negotiations with Mr Smith and that his land is needed for the widening of the A4019 Tewksbury Road.