Formerly a private family home and garden in the centre of Shefford, a hilltop village in Bedfordshire surrounded by farmland. The garden land leads to a field beyond on which the Trundell family reared and cared for a small herd of Red Poll cattle – a beautiful show breed. The land totals 2.3 hectares and at the northern point, has beautiful sprawling views across the valley looking towards Campton and Beadlow villages. The John Bunyon public footpath trail runs along the rear boundary and passes the Trundell Seat of Life memorial site – a place to be conserved and protected as part of the proposed development.

This little piece of England had been an important part of the family’s lives and retains huge sentimental importance now, especially following the passing of the elderly parents. The family were reluctant to simply sell as development land as they wanted to ensure the legacy left was something they could be proud to have their family name associated with. The Option Agreement with Dyason Developments allows the landowners the ability to remain closely associated with the project each step of the way and ensure it meets their ideals and desire to achieve an eco-friendly and sustainable community development

The site is nestled between a new housing development and village hall playing fields

The highly sensitive open ridgeline to the rear of the site was given very careful consideration. We are providing a large expanse of open space free from buildings, with footpaths and open spaces to be enjoyed by the future residents. Existing trees and hedgerows are being retained which together with the inclusion of a large number of additional new native trees and use of species rich meadow mix results in the scheme increasing significantly the net gain in biodiversity in excess of the current requirements set out in the Environment Act.

Although the scheme involves demolition of the original 1970’s bungalow, a new dwelling is proposed to ensure the existing street scene along the Shefford village road is maintained and the new properties are carefully tucked in behind, forming a new exclusive living environment for future owners.

Our focus is the provision of high quality housing prioritising sustainability and the inclusion of innovative renewable technologies.

Working closely with the landowner and Benchmark architects, we settled on a scheme to put forward to planners which comprised 38 new homes (of which 14 will be affordable housing ensuring the ability for everyone to be able to live in and enjoy the village) and also the provision of 5 additional self build plots ensuring there is flexibility to be creative for those wishing to embark on a project of their own.

We designed a mixture of 3 and 4 bedroom houses, bungalows and 1& 2 bedroom affordable apartments providing suitable living environments for every generation.