PfP and Barratt Redrow today shed light on one of the UK’s most ambitious communities in the heart of Hertfordshire 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.
The brand-new community will bring family, friends and neighbours together and is the culmination of the shared values across all partners to create places that forge genuine connections and puts wellbeing at the heart of its design.
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.
The village will weave nature, wellbeing and community together by boasting more than 2,000sqm of public open space – the equivalent to eight tennis courts. It will have links to public transport giving people more options on how they travel, and up to 1,600 new homes will be built.
Fulfilling the Joint Venture’s commitment to delivering infrastructure first, two new schools will be built, catering for children aged four to 18. More than a place for learning, the schools will act as central hubs to bring the wider community together.
Benefitting from safe walking and bike routes, the schools will interlink with the sustainable transport corridor, giving residents options on how they travel. A mobility hub complete with space for bikes, scooters and EV charging will link with the village centre. This will not only encourage the use of sustainable transport but will make streets greener and free of cars.
To encourage active lifestyles and outdoor play, a one-hectare village park will be integrated into the local community, giving children and families space to connect with nature. Amongst the 2,000sqm of open space, 625sqm will be dedicated to playparks for children to play and enjoy outdoor activities.
Altogether the landscape led approach will create multifunctional green spaces and will embed itself into the existing countryside, creating a place that is as beautiful as it is practical. Through careful design and community feedback,* these green spaces will not only support opportunities for growing food and enjoying neighbourhood green areas but will also connect to existing walkways that celebrate the historical context of the local area.
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.”
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.
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.”
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The approval of the Village 1 Masterplan is an important step forward for the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town project and demonstrates the value of strong partnership working across local authorities, developers and communities.
“This ambitious scheme will help deliver much-needed new homes alongside the infrastructure, schools, green spaces and sustainable transport connections required to support thriving communities from day one. Through careful planning, the development will encourage active travel, improve access to services and create opportunities for people of all ages to live, work and prosper locally.
“Hertfordshire County Council has worked closely with East Herts Council, the PfP Barratt Redrow Joint Venture and other partners throughout the development of the masterplan. We are pleased to see a landscape-led approach that respects the area's existing character while supporting sustainable growth, enhancing biodiversity and helping to create healthier, greener communities for current and future residents."
Philip Murphy, Senior Director from Quod Planning said: “Quod is delighted to have played a key role in securing approval of the Village 1 Masterplan, which marks an important milestone in bringing forward the first phase of this ambitious new community. The masterplan provides a clear and coordinated framework for delivering high-quality homes, landscape-led placemaking, local facilities and supporting infrastructure, helping to turn the wider vision for Gilston into a sustainable and deliverable reality.”