Houlton was the proud study-visit for a 40-strong team of MHCLG planners in October as the planning policy directorate spent the day with us, touring the site and using the awardwinning Houlton School as a base for their team meeting. Presentations and discussions on master development, the U&C model and the delivery of largescale housing alongside environmental and sustainability challenges was coupled with a walking tour of key phase one demonstrating connectivity to green spaces, ecology corridors and active travel routes as well as the thriving Dollman Farm local centre and play park. The visit concluded at Houlton School with a warm welcome from the Principal who came in to host the visit during the half term holiday, and gave a powerful testament to partnership working and the importance placed by U&C on building lasting relationships with stakeholders.
We really enjoyed the visit and it gave us plenty of food for thought.
Michael Bingham, Deputy Director of planning policy