Developers sign sustainable growth pledge for town

The charter has been set up to promote sustainable growth

Developers and local community groups have signed a charter, agreeing to prioritise an environmentally sustainable approach to development.

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Garden Communities Charter has been signed by several bodies, including Bellway, Gloucestershire Rural Communities Council and Northway Parish Council.

The document sets out nine main principles such as prioritising interconnected water infrastructure and green spaces.

The town has one of the highest population growths in the country according to statistics.

'Vibrant' vision

According to the Office of National Statistics, Tewkesbury Borough has seen the most rapid economic growth of any area outside London, with a population increase of 10% since 2015 and 2.5% in 2020/21 alone.

The charter has been created to regulate this growth in as sustainable a way as possible.

It aims to maintain existing communities alongside the development of new areas, reflecting local character.

It also recommends carbon-neutral communities and building sustainably for climate resilience, alongside more support for diverse communities.

The North Ashchurch consortium, composed of developers Bromford and Mansfield Partners, is one of the charter's signatories.

Robert James, on behalf of the consortium, said: “Our vision for North Ashchurch is in harmony with the aims of the charter as it seeks to deliver a vibrant, healthy and happy place for people to live and work in this beautiful area on the edge of the Cotswolds.”