Places for People and Barratt Redrow have received approval for the first phase of their East Hertfordshire masterplan, which will provide up to 8,500 homes.
East Hertfordshire District Council green-lit the first phase, which will be centred around a village square with modern community facilities, commercial and retail opportunities.
The partnership’s vision for the masterplan is to create a community-focused and landscape-led development, with the first phase including over 2,000 sq m of public open space, strong public transport links and up to 1,600 new homes.
The joint venture will also deliver two new schools, catering for children aged four to 18, interlinked with a sustainable transport corridor. A mobility hub complete with space for bikes, scooters and EV charging will link with the village centre, with the aim of encouraging the use of sustainable transport.
A one-hectare village park will be integrated into the local community, and out of the 2,000 sq m of open space, 625 sq m will be dedicated to playparks for children.
Sammie Steele, managing director of Greater London developments at PfP, 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.
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.”
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.”
