A site on the edge of Handforth, North Cheshire Garden Village is one of fourteen new garden villages given government backing today.
The fourteen, from Devon to Derbyshire, Cornwall to Cumbria – will have access to a £6 million fund over the next 2 financial years to support the delivery of these new projects.
The developments, say the government, will be distinct new places with their own community facilities, rather than extensions to existing urban areas.
The Handforth site is being promoted by the Engine of the North (EotN), who want it to establish a new, innovative approach to residential development creating sustainable communities in a quality environment.
They have commissioned Hemingway Design, led by acclaimed designer Wayne Hemingway, to create a ‘vision’ document for the village.
Plans include 2,000 homes, a nursery and a care home, as well as architect-designed “one-off” homes.
The scheme though is not without its critics. Locals are worried that a new village of several thousand homes may put pressure on infrastructure such as the congested A34.
Making the announcement, Housing Minister Gavin Barwell said: “Locally led garden towns and villages have enormous potential to deliver the homes that communities need.
“New communities not only deliver homes, they also bring new jobs and facilities and a big boost to local economies.”
