The developers bringing forward plans for 10,000 homes at Gilston are holding two community sessions to showcase the emerging masterplans for the site’s strategic landscaping, (the areas around each of the seven villages).
Hosted by Places for People and Taylor Wimpey, the two drop-in sessions on Saturday 20th July 2024 will be held at:
• Harvey Centre - 09.30AM – 1.00PM (Harvey Centre Approach, Harlow CM20 1XR)
• Hunsdon Village Hall – 2.00PM – 6.00PM (SG12 8NJ)
The Gilston Strategic Landscape Masterplan (SLMP) presented at these events will give attendees an overview of the public open space, sports and play areas, spaces for ecology, green and blue infrastructure, planting and buffers, as well as landscape character areas which are due to come forward surrounding the villages that make up the Gilston area.
The design of the emerging masterplan and landscape areas have taken into account feedback received through previous local community working group events.
Outlined in Gilston’s social impact statement, the delivery of the strategic landscape areas outside the villages, will see the developers bring forward:
• 5 major new parks
• New hedgerow connections
• Species rich grassland
• New woodland pasture
• Plantation of broadleaved woodland
• New allotments and community orchards
• Contribution to Stort Valley Improvements
• 10% minimum biodiversity net gain across the site as a whole
Sammie Steele, Managing Director Placemaking and Regeneration at Places for People, said: “The masterplan unveiled at the events is the culmination of years of close engagement with the local community to deliver on the ambitions for Gilston, set out in the Council’s local plan, the Parish’s neighbourhood plan and the outline planning applications for the Gilston area.
“Over half of the Gilston area will be made up of public open and natural green space, making this masterplan fundamental as we also look to deliver the village masterplans for the development parcels within the new community.
“We would encourage members of the community from across the local area to come to the events, share their views and learn more about the exciting developments coming forward as part of Gilston.”
Jonathan Locke, Senior Planning Manager at Taylor Wimpey, said:
“Taylor Wimpey are looking forward to see the exciting vision for the Gilston Area become reality. The strategic landscape masterplan is a key element in ensuring the innovative, sustainable and landscape led plans for the Gilston Area are realised.
“The landscape areas around Village 7 will be delivered early in the Gilston Area, alongside those around Village 1, and so will play an important role in ensuring the emerging Gilston development is set in an attractive and functional landscape which brings communities together, whilst providing enhancements for wildlife.
“We look forward to continuing the discussion with members of the community about how we can work together to ensure the strategic landscape areas around Village 7 are a resounding success.”
Places for People and Taylor Wimpey want Gilston Park Estate to reflect the best of sustainable community life – healthy, active, connected, and welcoming. A place for all ages bound together by spaces to live, learn, work, and relax. The vision is to create a beautiful, connected vibrant place for everyone to enjoy.
The development will deliver a significant number of benefits and opportunities for the local community from job creation, school places, leisure and sport opportunities, significant open space including play areas and parks.
For more information on Gilston, please visit: https://www.gilstonparkestate.com and www.village7.co.uk
For more information on the events, please email: Gilston@meeting-place.uk