Places for People (PfP) and Barrat Redrow have outlined their ambitious plans for the creation of a new community after receiving approval for the first village Masterplan from East Hertfordshire District Council.
The brand-new community will be centred around a village square with modern community facilities as well as commercial and retail opportunities to support new and existing residents. At the same time, it will create opportunities for local people to establish their own businesses, right on their doorstep, reducing the need to commute.
Sammie Steele, Managing Director of Greater London Developments at PfP on behalf of the PfP Barratt Redrow joint venture commented: “Village 1 is more than a starting point – it’s the gateway to 8,500 new homes and the six transformative villages PfP and Barratt Redrow will deliver.
“Through extensive collaboration with East Hertfordshire District Council and Hertfordshire County Council, the Masterplan for Village 1 sets the tone for the future of this development and sets a clear vision on how we intend to blend urban and country living. It will create a place where people can put down roots for themselves and their families.
“This is the culmination of a process that began in early 2021 and we are thrilled to be progressing the first phase of development and demonstrating how town and countryside can be effortlessly connected. Not only will this provide the framework for how we deliver across the wider scheme, but it will also enable people to enjoy the best of both worlds as part of one of the UK’s most exciting new communities.”
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As the first phase of their 8,500-home development, this approval sets out the vision for the wider scheme – community-focused and landscape-led.
As well as providing much-needed new homes, the development will also focus on delivering expansive natural spaces, as well as a commitment to supplying accompanying local infrastructure, such as two new schools.
Commenting on the planning permission approval, Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward, Executive Member for Planning and Growth at East Herts Council, said: “The approval of the Village 1 Masterplan marks an important step forward for the provision of up to 10,000 new homes at Gilston and supports the objectives of developments in the wider Harlow & Gilston Garden Town.
“We have worked closely with PfP Barratt Redrow and local communities to help shape plans that will deliver not just new homes, but the schools, green spaces, walking and cycling routes, community facilities and the local businesses needed to create a thriving new neighbourhood. As the development progresses, we will continue working with our partners and local communities to deliver a high-quality development and create a place where people will desire to live, work and spend time.”
Following the development officially breaking ground in May, with infrastructure works now underway, this latest landmark means that the first homes are due to commence in 2029.
