What is a Garden Village?

The vision for Whetstone Pastures Garden Village draws inspiration from the founding principles of the Garden City movement, initiated by Ebenezer Howard over a 100 years ago. Howard’s concept was rooted in the creation of self-contained, balanced communities that integrated residential, employment, and landscape uses. Garden cities were designed to provide affordable homes and places to work and live, that offered a healthy and affordable, more affordable living environments in a contained community. The work of Ebenezer Howard led to the development of Letchworth Garden City and dozens of other garden cities worldwide, each based around a clearly planned settlement.

This legacy is reflected in the design approach for Whetstone Pastures, which seeks to reinterpret these principles in a way that is relevant to contemporary needs and future challenges. The proposed settlement will be structured to support:

• A balanced mix of uses, including homes, employment spaces, and green infrastructure.
• Self-sufficiency and integration, with local amenities and services integrated on site.
• Access to nature and open space, promoting physical and mental well-being.
• A strong sense of place, shaped by locally distinctive design and community-focused public spaces.

In line with Garden City principles, Whetstone Pastures will prioritise health, well-being, and sustainability, embedding low-carbon technologies and flexible working environments to support modern lifestyles. Innovation and technology will under pin, low carbon living and working. The development will enable a resilient community—one that reflects the enduring relevance of the Garden City movement while responding to the social, environmental, and economic imperatives of the 21st century.