In October 2018, CPRE Gloucestershire hosted their annual awards ceremony, recognising and celebrating projects across Gloucestershire which are delivering real benefits for the environment and for people and are exemplars of good practice which others might follow.
PROJECTS RECEIVING AN AWARD IN 2018
Greystones Farm Discovery Centre, Bourton on the Water
The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Greystones Farm is a place where people of all ages can discover what’s special about the Cotswolds countryside and learn about its wildlife and history. Farm buildings have been imaginatively converted to provide a hands-on education centre. The meadows are grazed and milk from the cows used to make single Gloucester cheese
Citation: For a project combining renovation of farm buildings, wildlife conservation and development of ‘old skills,’ creating a sustainable community and educational centre, used by all ages, helped by volunteers and continuing the work previously carried out at Greystones Farm and to the same high standard.
Hayles Abbey Halt, near Toddington
Hayles Abbey Halt closed in 1960 when the local railway service ceased. Located on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway it has now been rebuilt, reopening in 2017. The structure of the new halt faithfully follows that of the original. Its construction was undertaken entirely by volunteers with meticulous attention to detail.
Citation: For planning and implementing the reconstruction of a missing feature on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway with local support and involvement, and completed by volunteer labour in less than a year.
Kings Lodge, Cinderford
92 homes have been built on a brown field site in a mix of house types and tenures. The development is contemporary in its visual appearance, and with a well-chosen palate of external materials has achieved a distinct character and sense of place. The properties are also highly energy efficient being built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level Four.
Citation: For the completion of a well-designed partnership housing project that has transformed a derelict brownfield site into an attractive environment for sustainable living.
The Raymond Fenton Centre, South Cerney
The Centre is a new youth and community building, designed to a brief from the Parish Council and with community input. It comprises an indoor sports hall, a café with an outside area, and a smaller ‘group’ room. The building looks good, fits in well with its surroundings, admirably meets the various space requirements, and is highly energy efficient.
Citation: For planning a community centre with local consultation, which sits sympathetically within new residential properties, is well designed, energy efficient and used by the local community for a variety of pursuits.
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
A 114 acre wetland reserve along the River Swilgate, the brainchild of local residents who saw the potential of this flood prone area to enhance wildlife and provide a real asset for the community. Following the setting up of a Trust in 2012 and advice from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the reserve has been created and is managed through volunteers.
Citation: For planning, implementing and managing the creation of an extensive wetland nature reserve with public involvement and benefit.
Whittington Close, St Briavels
Nine affordable homes on a rural exception site which benefited greatly from early engagement with the community. This influenced the design of the development. The properties are deliberately small scale with a reduced eaves height and with dormers and hips to break up the roof line and follow the vernacular style of the older parts of the village.
Citation: For engaging with partners and the community in developing design principles leading to the planning, construction and letting of sustainable, affordable housing in a rural village, satisfying local needs.
Congratulations to all award winners and those nominated.
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