Community-led sustainable development from Brighter Places
18 February 2026
I really can’t express what a difference this home will make to me and my children. It means we have much needed space as my children grow.
Local people have begun moving into Wheatfield Barns, a community-led sustainable development in Marshfield, Gloucestershire, that provides genuinely affordable homes.
The 15-home scheme was envisioned and championed by Marshfield Community Land Trust (MCLT) in response to the acute shortage of affordable housing in the village which sits in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As the first homes in South Gloucestershire delivered through the Rural Exception Site policy, Wheatfield Barns gives local people in housing
need the opportunity to live and stay in the area.
The thoughtfully designed homes include four three bed houses and seven two bed houses plus four one bed flats, all with their own private garden or patio. They are all set at social rent. A new pedestrian and cycle path connecting Wheatfield Barns to the existing path in Marshfield village makes it easier for tenants to access amenities and visit friends and family.
As well as tackling housing need in the area, the homes have been designed to be energy efficient, environmentally friendly and be affordable to run. Built to certified Passivhaus standards, the homes have various features to provide high levels of comfort and reduced energy bills for tenants. These include air source heat pump cylinders for heating hot water, smart meters and triple glazed, airtight windows and doors to reduce heat loss. Some homes also have solar panels.
The project has been a real collaborative effort. Local landowner, Mike Ball, transferred ownership of the site to MCLT. It was then leased to Brighter Places housing association to oversee the construction and manage the homes. Somerset-based building contractor Winsley White Ltd did the construction works.
The project was supported by £750,000 funding from South Gloucestershire Council through the Developer Contribution Fund and the Climate Emergency Fund. Homes England provided £1,320,000 from the Affordable Homes Programme and also helped develop the scheme and planning application via their Community-Led Housing Fund.
Anna Kilmczak, Chief Executive at PlaceShapers member Brighter Places, said: “Seeing local people and their families begin to move into these homes is a really proud moment for everyone involved. This project shows what’s possible when local communities, landowners and partners work together to address the housing challenges facing rural areas. These homes will allow local people to stay in the community they love, in homes that are affordable to run and built for the future.”
Christine Eden, Chair of Marshfield Community Land Trust, said: “A number of years ago, Marshfield Community Land Trust set out on a journey to provide homes that would enable local people to afford to live in Marshfield and we are delighted to see this dream become reality. To see people so pleased to be moving into our energy efficient homes, set in a lovely landscape, is so rewarding. We know too that these homes will remain for local people and affordable for generations to come. And Wheatfield Barns is not just about houses but shows that a community working together can meet both local housing needs and support family and social networks that help foster community well-being. There have been many people involved in making this possible and we are very grateful to them all.”
Katie Phillips, who moved into her new home in December said: “I really can’t express what a difference this home will make to me and my children. It means we have much needed space as my children grow. I absolutely love every part of our new home and there isn't a thing I’d change or want different. It is beautifully designed and beautifully made. We are so excited for this new chapter in our lives and the space this home offers us in the village that we love. I can’t express the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders and how grateful we are.”
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Homes, councillor John O’Neill, said: “It is fantastic to see the first residents move into their new homes at this community-led development, which delivers affordable, energy-efficient homes for local people in Marshfield. These homes blend into their rural surroundings and are built to exceptionally high environmental standards. We’re proud to have worked with our partners to make this vision a reality, supporting our commitment to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and to provide high-quality housing within our local communities.”
Winsley-White’s Company Director, Sam Winsley said: “As a contractor, our role is to turn ambition into bricks and mortar. However, on a scheme like this, it is always about far more than the buildings themselves. Developments of this nature are about security, opportunity, and keeping communities alive and thriving for future generations. This project is a testament to the
hard work and commitment of the CLT, without whom it would never have come to fruition, and the role of local landowners in engaging with this provision cannot be overstated. We are extremely proud to see the homes now occupied and wish all parties every success for the future.”
Shahi Islam, Director - Affordable Housing Grants, Homes England added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting Brighter Places to achieve their ambitions. Seeing people move into their new homes is always a proud moment for Homes England and Wheatfield Barns is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners to achieve our mission of building thriving communities.”