Lightwood, in partnership with L&Q Estates (formally Gallagher Estates), has been working to develop proposals at Shapley Heath for the past seven years with a realisable vision to deliver over 5000 homes, with land available to deliver nearer 10,000 homes, businesses, schools, woodlands, open space, country parks and greenspace. Lightwood has secured contractual positions with landowners to control the delivery of half of the area proposed and have a detailed in depth understanding of the technical constraints and the infrastructure requirements that this proposition is based upon.
As is always the case with large scale developments, plans cannot be made unilaterally or in isolation. Lightwood has engaged positively with local stakeholders and is working closely and collaboratively with Hart District Council to ensure that this vision is realised. Together this ensures that diversity, quality affordable homes and infrastructure can be delivered quickly with capacity and expertise to accelerate the delivery of the planning of new homes.
A Garden Communities bid made to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by Hart District Council with support from Lightwood and L&Q Estates was successful, with Shapley Heath awarded Garden Village status.
20997_Shapley_Heath_Garden_Community_2018_eLightwood is working on behalf of several landowners and closely with Mid Devon District Council promoting over 750 acres of land. The long term potential for the garden village is to deliver up to 5,000 new homes as well as employment, shops, schools, healthcare facilities, the creation and relocation of sporting clubs, a country park and a new junction on the M5 motorway.
In 2017 the Government announced plans for a number of new garden villages across the country and Lightwood was pleased that Culm Garden Village was proposed as one of them. East Cullompton is proposed to be allocated for strategic development in the emerging Mid Devon Local Plan. The remainder of the potential garden village is to be allocated within the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan. Cullompton Town Council and the Neighbourhood Plan support the delivery of Culm Garden Village.
Lightwood recognises that development proposals of this scale will have a huge impact on the community. The success and evolution of the project has been positively propelled by the ambitions, aspirations and close positive working relationship between the community, landowners, the local authority and Lightwood, ensuring that the development opportunities and delivery adhere to the vision and principles of the garden village.
