A transformative vision for a new garden community featuring up to 2,800 homes has been submitted for approval in Tewkesbury, positioning itself just east of the M5 motorway. The North Ashchurch Garden Community plan encompasses a comprehensive neighbourhood with two primary schools, a secondary school, retail and leisure spaces, parks, orchards, a new thoroughfare, a pedestrian bridge, and even a pub.
The development site is strategically located north of Ashchurch and the A46, forming a vital part of the Tewkesbury Garden Communities initiative focused on creating sustainable, connected places where residents can live, work, and enjoy recreational activities. The outline planning application, presented to Tewkesbury Borough Council, seeks permission in principle to advance these broad development goals, including access infrastructure like vehicular, pedestrian, and cycle routes.
Prepared by the North Ashchurch Consortium—comprising Mansfield Partners LLP, Bellway Homes, Bromford Developments Ltd, and Homes England—and supported by a dedicated technical team, the proposal emphasizes key design features. These include a central spine road connecting the A46 to Hardwick Bank Road, complete with a new railway bridge. All detailed design and layout matters will be addressed in future planning stages.
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Bellway Homes’ Robert James highlighted the community benefits: “This is an outstanding opportunity to create a high-quality, sustainable neighbourhood delivering much-needed homes alongside vital community facilities and infrastructure upgrades. We have engaged extensively with local residents and align closely with the Borough Council’s vision and Charter for Garden Communities. Our plan balances a rich mix of housing types—from affordable starter homes to options for growing families and retirees—ensuring accessibility on the housing ladder.”
In addition to housing, the masterplan integrates new schools, healthcare services, sports and leisure facilities, green open spaces, and significant transport enhancements. The design was refined with input from Gloucestershire’s Design Review Panel and Tewkesbury Borough Council to promote strong connectivity and thoughtful urban design. Following public consultation and advice from Sport England, the plan now includes expanded outdoor sports amenities and excludes flood-prone areas to increase resilience.
Environmental sustainability is central to the development, with a Flood Risk Assessment confirming no increase in flood risk locally, and a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) that combines effective water management with enhanced biodiversity. The project commits to achieving a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain compared to the existing landscape.
Nearly half of the total land will be dedicated to green and open spaces, offering residents access to a country park, ecology zones, allotments, and ample recreational and play areas. Further detailed application phases will provide additional opportunities for residents to shape the community as it evolves.