Sherford New Community Social Impact
Assessment
Project Introduction
2004-2006 Redtree LLP - Developer
Project Background
Sherford is a proposed new town, recently awarded planning
permission, to be built on a Greenfield site on the urban
fringe of Plymouth in Devon. On completion in 2025, it is expected
to have a population of about 12,000 people. Residents in
neighbouring settlements were initially opposed to proposals,
concerned that Sherford would impact their way of life. However,
the developers are keen to ensure it is exemplary as a sustainable
new community.
Project Scope
'The client requested we undertake a detailed socio-economic
impact assessment as part of the EIA for the development. In
addition we were requested to prepare a socio-economic report to
explore the potential opportunities to ensure the social dimensions
of sustainability could be maximised for the new community.
Value Adding Project Achievements
We identified relevant lessons to be learned from other exemplar
communities to identify opportunities for the new community of
Sherford.
The assessment highlighted the difference in impact for the
residents of the future new community and for existing neighbouring
communities. We undertook consultation with representatives of
neighbouring communities to ensure their concerns informed the
assessment of impact.
We identified recommendations to ensure benefits, such as increased
community facility provision and improved public transport
provision, would be shared fairly between members of different
communities, including those affected by small pockets of
deprivation in the locality.
The thorough nature of the report provided assurance that the
effects on local people were being considered seriously and that
appropriate measures would be undertaken to redress significant
detrimental impacts.
