Phoenix Sustainable Investments has officially submitted proposals for Sibson Garden Community as part of Huntingdonshire District Council’s (HDC) Local Plan Review.

Sibson Garden Community is an aspirational plan to create a 21st century sustainable market town. Set in Huntingdonshire’s nature rich Nene Valley, and prioritising a strong sense of community. Built on garden village principles and structured around the ideas of integrated communities to support walking, wheeling and cycling – Sibson will bring jobs, homes, shops, schools and healthcare to the doorstep of its residents.

Our ambitious project aligns with the priorities of Huntingdonshire Futures Place Strategy to 2050 initiative and the UK’s commitment to achieving clean energy by 2030, positioning the district as a leader in sustainable, future-proofed communities. You can read more about how we intend to meet the themes of the Place Strategy here.

In sharing the Vision Document as part of the submission, Phoenix Sustainable Investments CEO, Karl Hick, said:

“We are eager to collaborate with all stakeholders to bring this vision to life. There is immense potential to make Sibson a model of modern, sustainable living—a balanced and resilient community that meets the aspirations of Huntingdonshire Futures and the UK’s climate goals. We look forward to discussing this vision in detail.”

Download and view our Vision Document to explore our proposals in detail:

Sibson Garden Community – Vision Document (PDF)

Our plan for Sibson Garden Community comes as Huntingdonshire District Council announces its ambitious Place Strategy to 2050. We believe our Garden Community can help deliver against each of the key themes – from creating pride in place, to environmental innovation and an inclusive economy.

Sibson Garden Community is an aspirational plan to create a 21st century sustainable market town. Set in Huntingdonshire’s nature rich Nene Valley, and prioritising a strong sense of community.

Built on garden village principles and structured around the ideas of integrated communities to support walking, wheeling and cycling – Sibson will bring jobs, homes, shops, schools and healthcare to the doorstep of its residents.

This will be paired with interconnected green spaces, a thriving natural world and walkable neighbourhoods, to shape a community where residents and nature can live side by side. 

Explore how we hope to meet the ambitions of each of the Place Strategy themes:

Sibson Garden Community + Huntingdonshire’s Place Strategy – Pride in Place (PDF)

Sibson Garden Community + Huntingdonshire’s Place Strategy – Inclusive Economy (PDF)

Sibson Garden Community + Huntingdonshire’s Place Strategy – Environmental Innovation (PDF)

Sibson Garden Community + Huntingdonshire’s Place Strategy – Travel Transformed (PDF)

Sibson Garden Community + Huntingdonshire’s Place Strategy – Health Embedded (PDF)

As the population continues to soar, it is more important than ever that there is an adequate amount of affordable housing readily available to all. However, in a world that is marked by urbanisation and environmental concerns, the need for sustainable living has never been more apparent. Here at Sibson, the concept of ‘Garden Communities’ has been at the forefront of our minds, but what exactly are they…

What are Garden Communities?

Garden Communities are developments that have a strong emphasis on sustainable living, community, and nature. These communities prioritise green spaces, communal areas, and environmental practices to create a living environment that promotes well-being and social interaction.

What are the benefits….

• Green Spaces – The abundance of green spaces is ever present within a Garden Community. These green spaces can serve multiple purposes, including providing residents with areas for relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature.
• Sustainable Design & Practices – Sustainability is prioritised during the planning, construction, and operations of a Garden Community. Energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy sources are just some of the ways in which sustainability is promoted within these communities.
• Connectivity – Garden Communities are often designed with pedestrian-friendly layouts, interconnected pathways, and public transportation. This advocates a higher sense of community among residents and encourages them to walk or bike rather than solely relying on cars, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
• Community Spaces and Facilities – At the core of any Garden Community is promoting community among its residents. Shared facilities such as community centres, gardens, playgrounds, and recreational areas provide opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and collective activities.

What is the future for Garden Communities?

The future of Garden Communities appears bright and promising, as the demand for sustainable living continues to grow.

Several key factors will play a significant role in the evolution of our Garden Communities, including:

• Expansion and diversification of designs – We can expect to see an increase in the number and variety of garden communities. These communities may vary in size, design, and location, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
• Innovation in design and technologies – Advancements in green building technologies, renewable energy systems, and smart infrastructure will likely play a significant role in the evolution of garden communities.
• Integration with urban planning – Garden communities are increasingly being recognised as a viable solution to urban sprawl and the need for sustainable urban development. We may see greater integration of garden communities into urban planning policies and initiatives.
• Emphasis on inclusivity – Developers and planners may adopt inclusive design principles and affordability measures to ensure that these neighbourhoods remain accessible and welcoming to people of all income levels and backgrounds.

By embracing all of these key factors, Garden Communities are poised to play a major role in the future of sustainable development.