Martin Ward features on BBCR4 interview about sustainable communities
10/07/2023
If you were listening to BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 5 July, you will have heard Martin Ward being interviewed at New Lubbesthorpe where he talks about the role Mather Jamie has played in helping the Drummond family to create the vision and strategy that has had a very heavy influence on forming a real sense of community at this award winning development.
You can listen to the full interview on BBCR4 You & Yours programme starting at 17:50mins until 27:00 mins by clicking this link.
During the interview, Martin, who is a founding director of Mather Jamie, and has now stepped back from his management role to focus on key projects said, “The Government has set a target to build new homes which is not going to be achievable using only brownfield land. We therefore have to use greenfield sites if we are to meet future demand. Simply tagging on smaller sites to existing villages also has its limitations as it places pressure on existing services and so we need to consider larger greenfield sites adjacent to key locations.”
He continued, “The vision for New Lubbesthorpe was met with objections, as all greenfield sites generally are, but owing to the vision and determination of the Drummond family and a sympathetic council, we have been able to deliver much needed housing within a thriving new suburb that has all the services needed to create and sustain a healthy community that is also still very much connected to Leicester City Centre. What has emerged is good for the area, with parklands and natural areas given back to nature and wildlife to enhance the environment.”
Of course, this vision was a little simpler to deliver as the Drummond family owned all the land on which New Lubbesthorpe has so far been developed, but it exemplifies the services Mather Jamie can provide to landowners with an aspiration for development. We have the expertise to guide and advise clients from their initial vision, through planning, to delivery, including the delivery of major infrastructure such as new roads and vital services , including healthcare, schools and community facilities. Using in-house expertise and a wide range of trusted and experienced consultants, we can assist landowners through the whole development process to achieve their vision and objectives for a site.
New Lubbesthorpe is a glowing example of how to build a healthy community by making sure there are the services and activities that bring people together to connect with fellow residents and help them build friendships. The development was also visited by the Right Honourable Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, when he visited the region recently, shown as a prime example of a how a sustainable urban expansion can be successfully delivered.