Upper Rissington

Following a decade of post military land disposal, the former airfield faced extensive contamination, poor infrastructure, a poor quality environment and limited community infrastructure. Combined with this was the legacy of perceived unfulfilled promises from landowners and developers and piecemeal development. The area also fell within the AONB, making large scale or comprehensive development extremely challenging.

Alongside addressing the challenging technical and environmental constraints, working closely with the local community through a range of workshops and discussions, proposals were evolved to address the infrastructure problems and fulfil community aspirations.

Remarkably, the local planning authority had an in principle objection to any development due to it being within the AONB and refused to engage effectively. Following the refusal of planning permission, due to the efforts and buy-in with the community, representatives of the local community attended the Public Inquiry and pleaded the Inspector allow the appeal. The appeal was successfully allowed and the scheme built out, delivering school improvements, a local centre, new homes and significant physical, community infrastructure and environmental improvements.

Client: Reland / Gladedale
Design: Holder Matthias
LPA: Cotswold District Council