Sharpness Vale

Background

The application for 2,750 energy-efficient homes results from extensive public consultation and technical assessments, ensuring a phased approach to growth that reflects Stroud District Council’s ambitions for sustainable development.

Sharpness Vale has been designed as a low-carbon neighbourhood, with green infrastructure and a strong focus on reducing car dependency.
The proposals include the following:
• Sustainable employment opportunities through a 10-hectare business park supporting Gloucestershire’s growing technology and low-carbon economy, with space for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses, creating up to 1,200 full-time jobs.
• Infrastructure improvements, including new walking and cycling routes, mobility hubs, and long-term investment in public transport, will support sustainable travel.
• A mitigation package at M5 Junction 14, identified by National Highways as a viable solution for supporting an initial 1,000 homes.
• A diverse range of housing options powered by renewable energy, built to high energy-efficiency standards, and integrated with over 50% public green space, including nature reserves and new wildlife habitats.

Sharpness Vale is critical in Stroud district’s long-term growth strategy, ensuring that housing, employment, and infrastructure investment are coordinated and deliverable. The proposal will provide new homes and infrastructure delivering solutions for the area’s long-term needs. The development also supports wider regional ambitions, including Severn Edge at Berkeley and Oldbury, strengthening Gloucestershire’s position as a hub for clean energy and sustainable industries.

For additional information please see the dedicated website for this project: https://sharpnessvale.co.uk/

Site details and constraints

A predominantly Greenfield site between Gloucester and Stonehouse. It is outside of any settlement.

Our role

The team at MEP provided a sustainable concept and strategy which was been accepted by the Council and wider community. In order to achieve this the team at MEP undertook the following:

  • Created a vision for the new settlement.
  • Formed a planning strategy.
  • Formulated a strategy for and carried out extensive pre-application engagements with the LPA and Stakeholders.
  • Lead a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Identified key constraints and planning policy implications.
  • Appeared at the Stroud Local Plan Examination.
  • Preparation and submission of a planning application for the eco village which includes 2,750 dwellings, 10 ha business park, new rail link and railway station, green infrastructure, primary and secondary schools, and sustainable transport measures.
  • Supporting the Environmental Impact Assessment process.

Outcomes

The proposed eco village has been allocated within the Stroud Local Plan Review which is currently going through examination.

In the meantime, the planning application has been submitted and is currently under consideration by Stroud District Council.

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