Report on the Enquiry by Design workshop, managed by the Prince of Wales Foundation for the Built Environment, to investigate the proposed Sherford new community development in the western area of South Hams District Council.

Following its approval through the Devon Structure Plan process, the Council organised this stakeholder participation event in July 2004 (2 days) and October 2004 (3 days), and worked up a new vision for the development as the basis for a detailed masterplan for the site. This master plan now needs further testing and consultation.

The district of South Hams has been identified through the adopted Devon Structure Plan as needing to accommodate a new community as a strategic requirement for the Plymouth sub region.

The new community will be an extension to the eastern edge of Plymouth and must be sustainable and deliver affordable housing for local people.

Other requirements include:

South Hams District Council invited The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment to facilitate an Enquiry by Design, a stakeholder participation event, to investigate the development of the new Sherford community site.

Members of the local communities, as well as local pressure groups, were involved in the event and invited to comment on the emerging scheme. If the proposal is progressed a formal planning process with extensive stakeholder consultation will be conducted.

The Enquiry by Design identified clear principles for a sustainable community which included high density, compact mixed use and a sense of place which would meet people's daily needs within walkable distance.

For a quality community to be developed, four phases have been identified with space for future work and improvements. The developer team and the local authorities intend to work together to deliver an exemplar development led by high quality design and the creation of a community.

South Hams District Council
Phone: +44(0)1803 861 234
customer.services@southhams.gov.uk

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The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation