49
Acres
465
New Homes
35%
Affordable
Provision for a new Single Form Primary School
In 2010, Mac Mic were introduced to a 49-acre Green Belt site at Churchdown, between Gloucester and Tewkesbury. Owned by two local families, the land occupied a highly sustainable location close to the A40, major employment centres and the M5.
The site formed part of a wider strategic allocation of around 1,300 homes within the emerging Gloucester–Cheltenham–Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy, creating uncertainty over timescales and delivery.
Progress on the wider allocation was slow and complex, with three local authorities needing to agree how development should come forward. There was a real risk the site would remain stalled for many years, preventing the landowners from realising value.
We secured an agreement with the landowners in 2011 and promoted the site through the Joint Core Strategy. Recognising the delays affecting the wider allocation, we developed a strategy to bring forward the 49-acre site independently.
In July 2016, we submitted a standalone planning application for up to 465 new homes, supported by extensive technical work covering highways, landscape, ecology, hydrology, archaeology and masterplanning.
The proposals included new access arrangements, public open space, play areas, a sports pitch, substantial landscaping and financial contributions towards a new primary school.
Following detailed negotiations, we successfully demonstrated that the site could be delivered in advance of the wider allocation without compromising its long-term objectives.
Planning permission for 465 homes was granted in November 2018, securing the release of the land from the Green Belt.
The site was taken to the open market and attracted five unconditional offers. It was sold to Bellway in April 2019, just six months after planning permission was secured.
Churchdown remains the only Green Belt site within the Joint Core Strategy area to have been released and delivered to date, unlocking early value for the landowners and enabling the delivery of much-needed new homes in a highly desirable location.
“
Nowadays in selecting a promoter, it is all about track record. Mac Mic have a solid track record and we are pleased to recommend them to our landowner clients.
Scott Winnard, Partner - Bruton Knowles
”
“
Richard Edwards - Landowner, Hampshire
”
