Social enterprise Places for People has achieved planning approval for over 600 hectares of green space at its 10,000-home vision at Gilston.

The masterplan sets the framework for how the local community will have access to almost 15km of heritage trails alongside local art and wayfinding and over 410 hectares of integrated green spaces for families to rest and play.

Part of the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town (HGGT) initiative, the project is set to become a blueprint in striking a balance between town and country living through the delivery of a network of seven interconnected villages delivered with a landscape led approach.

Sammie Steele, regional director for Greater London at Places for People, says “Gilston is not an easy development to deliver, but through collaboration with HGGT and East Herts District Council, we set out our vision to create something different, something that would act as a beacon of community housebuilding done right.”

The strategic landscaper masterplan, developed by Grant Associates, includes a coherent green framework that responds to climate, heritage and local character.

Grant Associates worked alongside Quod, SLR Consulting, AECOM, Ecological Planning & Research and Montagu Evans.