LHC’s urban and landscape teams have been working with Stantec, Social and Savills, to create a masterplan for a sustainable community at Wisloe in Gloucestershire. A number of CGI images that demonstrate how this exciting, sustainable community could take shape have just been unveiled.
The CGIs have been released by Gloucestershire-based educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust and Gloucestershire County Council, who are jointly leading proposals for the new development to the east of Slimbridge. The imagery has been produced by LHC’s in-house graphics and 3D visualisation team, and has been made public together with the masterplan which sets out the background, rationale and vision for the development. Full details of the proposed sustainable community of approximately 1,500 homes at Wisloe can be found on the project website.
The Ernest Cook Trust and Gloucestershire County Council view this as an opportunity to help meet the need for new homes in a way that enables existing and future residents to live as sustainably as possible. As well as places for people to live, the plans include spaces for businesses which could create jobs for both new and existing residents.
A new village green could host markets and community events; a farm shop, community centre and café will create a place people can meet and socialise; a new primary school and nursery, and new walking, cycling and public transport connections will all create a place centred on community and sustainability. To support the transition to cleaner transport, the masterplan also includes provision for electric vehicle charging points on all homes.
Michael Birnie, Property Director at The Ernest Cook Trust, said:
These images and the masterplan show what could be achieved at Wisloe.
The nation faces a challenge to build the homes we need whilst tackling the climate and ecological emergencies we face. As a responsible landowner The Ernest Cook Trust has an important role to play in tackling these issues by demonstrating how new homes can be designed and built in a way that is sensitive to the many environmental challenges we face.
The project is committed to working with communities as these plans progress and we look forward to hearing what people think. By benefitting from the local community’s input, we’re hoping they can help us shape a place everyone can be proud of.
A Gloucester County Council spokesperson said:
Gloucestershire County Council hold an important role supporting sustainable growth in the county. This means taking a proactive approach, planning ahead for the future to improve the quality of life for Gloucestershire’s communities.
This masterplan for a new community at Wisloe is an example of us doing just this. We’re excited to see this masterplan progress and look forward to working with local communities to shape and refine our plans.
Following a consultation in 2019, a further consultation was held earlier this year and responses have informed the development of the masterplan, which is being promoted for inclusion in Stroud District Council’s new local plan. Further engagement will continue throughout the planning process.
You can find out more and view the masterplan at the project website www.wisloe.co.uk and you can also contact the project team by emailing wisloe@social.co.uk or phoning 0330 107 0535.
The Ernest Cook Trust
The Ernest Cook Trust is an educational charity helping children, young people and their communities nurture a lifelong journey of learning, appreciation and respect for the countryside.
The Trust owns and cares for more than 22,500 acres of land across the UK. It is uniquely placed to shape the sustainable development of a vibrant community at Wisloe, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council holds an important role supporting sustainable growth in the county. This means taking a proactive approach, planning ahead for the future to improve the quality of life for Gloucestershire’s communities.
Stroud District Council’s Local Plan review
Stroud District Council has just finished a consultation on its local plan review following previous consultations during winter 2019 and 2020. The concept for a community at Wisloe is aligned with this.
Any proposal to develop a new community must be supported by the local authority and coordinated with other developments in the area. The Wisloe project team is working with local partners to meet Stroud District Council’s Local Plan ambitions.
A new Local Plan is scheduled to be agreed towards the end of 2022.
