How do you create a real community? A community where residents feel pride in their neighbourhoods and can live healthy lives in sustainable settings?
Each year, our study tour seeks to provide answers to this question by exploring practical examples of ambitious placemaking. It provides a unique opportunity to speak with developers, designers, public bodies, and local authority officers, and to explore new settlements up-close.
Ahead of next month’s tour to Bristol and Bath, we look back at highlights from previous trips.
Cornwall
In 2024, we packed our sunglasses and headed southwest to Cornwall. In partnership with Cornwall Council, we visited three newly established communities: West Carclaze Garden Village (1,500 homes planned), Nansledan (4,000 homes planned) and Langarth Garden Village (up to 3,800 homes planned).
Cornwall Council is facing a confluence of challenges, from the well-publicised rise of second homes to national trends of biodiversity loss and impacts of the climate crisis. However, its hopeful housing strategy makes thriving and sustainable communities its priority.
During the study tour, one of the most talked about aspects of the West Carclaze Garden Village was the emphasis on energy efficiency, with the average home in the development being EPC A-rated. While in Langarth Garden Village, participants were impressed by the renewable energy provision – from the proposed geothermal district heating network to solar and wind power.
At an early stage in the development process, construction at Langarth Garden Village focused on delivering key infrastructure, including the new sports hub (now the new permanent home of Truro Football Club). Participants heard how the site would deliver up to 3,800 new homes for the Truro area, with at least 30% being affordable and further homes earmarked for key workers.
Nature and biodiversity were an important consideration across all developments. Fittingly, the trip finished with a visit to Newquay Community Orchard, where participants were treated to an amazing array of local produce for dinner.
Cambridgeshire
Last year’s tour was jam packed – visiting five very different sites in Cambridgeshire – and hosted by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (GCSP) Service. On the agenda were visits to Springstead Village (1,200 homes), Great Kneighton at Clay Farm (2,300 homes), Eddington (approx 3,000 homes), Northstowe (up to 10,000 homes) and Marmalade Lane (42 homes).
Active travel and greenways were a priority in Springstead Village. Design coding has limited streets to 15 mph and embedded street play, complemented by pocket parks. We also heard how local children had been involved in a tree nursery scheme, helping with planting in the Village.
In Great Kneighton at Clay Farm, a public art strategy has helped create vibrant surroundings, with artwork inspired by local history, archaeology and everyday life.
Discrediting claims that nature and development need to be in opposition, Eddington illustrated how new places can support both residents and wildlife. Nest bricks for local birds are in place in most buildings, and bat roofs are incorporated into facility outbuildings. An ancient oak was retained as part of the development, and trees and shrubs have been planted in stages for mixed maturity. In Northstowe, the waterpark and drainage waterways had been designed as green corridors away from major roads.
Our final stop took us to see an alternative development model – co-housing. Marmalade Lane is an award-winning sustainable neighbourhood with extensive community facilities. We were impressed by the facilities and shared spaces on offer, which were designed to encourage chance encounters and foster a sense of community. Especially of note was a common house, a subsidised car club, and the availability of guest rooms (intended to encourage residents to downsize).
Bristol and Bath
This year’s tour will visit the proposed New Town of Brabazon, Bristol, alongside large urban extensions around Bristol and Bath. We hope you can join us!
View the agenda and book your place: New Communities Group Annual Study Tour to Bristol and Bath
*TCPA members receive a 20% discount for a limited time only*
The 2026 tour is in collaboration with South Gloucestershire Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Women in Planning South West.
