LUC has supported the development of several notable Garden Villages across the UK, including the ongoing Salt Cross project near Eynsham, West Oxfordshire.

Salt Cross is one of 14 new Garden Villages backed by the UK Government under its programme for locally-led Garden Villages, Towns and Cities. It will comprise over 2000 homes in an area spanning 215 hectares, and will contribute to housing requirements identified by Oxford City Council.

LUC prepared a Landscape & Historic Environment Assessment and Green Infrastructure Assessment for the project. We are also coordinating a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and a Sustainability Appraisal (SA).

Our Landscape & Historic Environment Assessment outlined key constraints and opportunities faced by the development, and proposed mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts. We made recommendations to maintain the strong rural character of the site by adapting to existing geography, whilst preserving and enhancing historical assets and their settings.

Our Green Infrastructure Assessment examined existing and potential green networks and spaces and put forward measures for their design and maintenance: promoting active travel, connecting habitats, minimising flood-risks, mitigating sources of noise and air pollution, and encouraging community growth with allotments and orchards. This assessment was adopted into the wider Green Infrastructure framework for the Garden Village.

LUC then prepared HRA and SA reports for the Area Action Plan (AAP). Our HRA report evaluated possible areas of protection and conservation in relation to loss or damage of habitat, disturbance, contamination, water resources, and air pollution. Our SA report assessed how the AAP aligns with Garden Village principles and promotes sustainability, with consideration to net-zero carbon development, ‘zero-waste’, and Biodiversity Net Gain.

LUC’s involvement with Salt Cross adds to our significant track-record supporting Garden Village developments, following our success with similar projects at St. Cuthberts and Dunsfold Park.