The opportunity for members of the public to help shape a draft proposed vision for a 21st century Garden Village at Whetstone Pastures is now open.
The 931-acre site in South Leicestershire is being promoted by local landowners and supported by development partner Tritax Symmetry.
Launching on 7th December, the extensive public engagement programme wants to hear people’s views on the proposed vision to create a sustainable new community.
As well as new homes, the proposed vision also include schools, healthcare and community facilities alongside a new logistics park and other employment opportunities.
The initiative follows Whetstone Pastures being awarded Garden Village status by the Government, although the project currently has no status within Blaby District Council’s emerging Local Plan.
The wide-ranging engagement programme is looking for feedback on the proposals, which would see Whetstone Pastures located either side of the M1, six miles south of Leicester.
Feedback received will be considered by the design team and incorporated into a final vision document which will be the shared blueprint for Whetstone Pastures between the project partners and local community.
The draft vision is made up of seven core themes, - including creating a unique place; community; health; natural environment; sustainable movement, economy and climate mitigation. All themes are explained in detail on the consultation website - www.whetstonepastures.co.uk
Commenting on the launch of the consultation process and how the local community can get involved Sinead Turnbull Planning Director at Tritax Symmetry said: “Whetstone Pastures is an opportunity to deliver significant and lasting benefits to the district and we are excited to work in collaboration with the local community and stakeholders to shape our collective ideas.
“The proposed vision is set out on the new website and a series of public engagement activities will be held between now and February 2021. The aim is to stimulate discussion, generate feedback and draw upon the knowledge, creativity and skills of existing communities in South Leicestershire to ensure we collectively create the best possible vision for Whetstone Pastures.
“Everyone will have the opportunity to get involved through the project website, online webinars, online surveys, social media channels, community newsletters, project e-mail, telephone and Freepost address.
“We aim to have as many more in-person public events as soon as possible in order to reach as many people as we can including community and design led events, citizens panels and public exhibitions as we move through each stage. Hopefully, as many people as possible will get involved and share their thoughts and ideas for creating a new community of which we and future generations can be proud.”
There are several ways people can provide feedback and get involved.
Visit the project website www.whetstonepastures.co.uk to find out more, provide feedback via the online survey or post your ideas on the ‘Ideas Board’ page of the website.
Register to join a webinar by e-mailing contact@whetstonepastures.co.uk
Contact the team via the project e-mail, telephone or Freepost address
Post your ideas via the social media links (Twitter: @whetstonepastur / Facebook: @Whetstone Pastures /Instagram: @whetstonepastures)