Frequently asked questions
What is a Garden Village?
The Town and Country Planning Association describes Garden Communities, also known as Garden Towns, Villages and Cities as “a holistically planned new settlement that enhances the natural environment and offers high-quality affordable housing and locally accessible work in beautiful, healthy and sociable communities”. The principles behind a Garden Community is that it is infrastructure-led, which means that all the essential facilities and services – like schools, health services, roads and transport systems, and jobs – would all be available as the community grows.
What are the proposals for the Berinsfield Garden Village?
Berinsfield Garden Village is a long-term project aimed at improving the village for current and future residents. The proposals focus on creating a healthy, well-connected, and sustainable community and include:
- New homes: Approximately 1,700–1,900 new homes planned on the former airfield east of the existing village.
- Community facilities and services: Upgraded local facilities, parks, play areas, and community spaces.
- Green spaces and outdoor improvements: Enhanced parks, walking routes, and connections between existing and new areas.
- Transport and walking/cycling routes: Safer, better-connected paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Health and wellbeing initiatives: Guided by the Community Insight Profile and the Health & Wellbeing Action Plan to reduce inequalities and improve opportunities for residents.
- Regeneration and public realm improvements: Including street signs, benches, bins, youth shelters, play equipment, and public art installations.
In 2024, the Masterplan Framework Document (MFD) was submitted to the council, setting out the detailed vision for housing, infrastructure, green spaces, and community facilities. All proposals are guided by evidence from residents and the community, including the Community Insight Profile and public consultations. Plans are still being finalised and will be subject to future consultation and council approval before development takes place.
What are the planned local improvements to green spaces and local facilities?
There are a range of improvements planned for green spaces and facilities including pockets of woodland, tree planting along with additional sports facilities such as a sports ground and park along with the creation of an additional Community Hub.
Has planning permission been granted?
Not yet. When a planning application is submitted, we’ll let people know how they can view the plans and say what they think before any decision is made.
Why do you want to build more houses?
There must be a five-year supply of housing land in each council area across the nation. This represents the requirement for housing based on population data and is determined by counting the number of new homes that must be built.
What about GP services and schools?
These services are being considered as part of the project planning. A Health Impact Assessment will look at a range of health-related issues at the design stage of the development. There will also be a new school planned as part of the development.
What about roads?
We have already started work on transport studies looking at road and rail access to the site, and roads within the site. One of our important considerations is that Berinsfield Garden Village would reduce the need to travel to and from the area, thinking about how we reduce carbon emissions to help tackle climate change.
Where do I find more information about Berinsfield Garden Village development?
To find out more details of the proposed new development and information on community engagement being undertaken by landowners and developers please see https://berinsfieldgardenvillage.com/
How will residents be kept updated?
Parish Council updates – Monthly update meetings with the Parish Council, who share important news on their website and Facebook page.
- Berinsfield Garden Village web pages – Key updates, plans, and documents are published here.
- Village Voice newsletter – Updates are included in each bi-monthly edition of the Village Voice.
- Garden Village Steering Group – Quarterly meetings with local organisations, many of which support residents directly and can share updates through their networks.
- Community Network Meeting – Monthly meetings of local organisations, helping to inform residents about projects and opportunities.
- Press releases – Major news is also communicated via local media.
These channels provide multiple ways for residents to stay informed and get involved as the Garden Village programme progresses.
