Ministry support for Garden Communities
Posted on: 10 December 2025
Tewkesbury Borough Council has received £805,000 from the Ministry of Homes, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to launch an Interim Vehicle (IV) – the first step towards creating a new organisation to lead on development, known as a Locally-Led Development Corporation (LLDC), for the Garden Communities programme.
Alistair Cunningham, Chief Executive and Senior Responsible Owner for the Garden Communities programme, said:
“This funding marks an important milestone in our journey to deliver new homes, jobs, and green spaces that reflect the high standards our community deserves. The Interim Vehicle will help us maintain momentum and bring in the industry expertise we need as the programme progresses, to ensure our Garden Communities become places we can all be proud of.”
What is an Interim Vehicle (IV)?
An IV is an organisation – wholly owned by Tewkesbury Borough Council – that helps us keep momentum while we work towards forming a LLDC. It brings together experts in planning, design, infrastructure, and finance, and sets up strong governance from day one. The IV will have a board made up of specialists and local representatives, ensuring decisions are made with both technical knowledge and community priorities in mind.
By establishing an IV, the council’s clear agreed role to support the delivery of homes will be supported by being able to:
- Move quickly – so plans don’t stall while formal structures are established.
- Bring in expertise early – to guide complex projects and make sure they meet best practice.
- Lay the groundwork for a LLDC – by setting up systems, partnerships, and strategies that will transfer smoothly when the LLDC is established.
What is a Locally-Led Development Corporation (LLDC)?
A LLDC is a dedicated organisation created by local councils to lead large-scale developments. Unlike national development corporations, a LLDC is locally driven, meaning it reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. Its role is to deliver well-designed, sustainable places with schools, local services, transport links, jobs, and green spaces built in from the start.
Why does this matter?
Garden communities are about more than building houses – they’re about creating places where people can thrive. By taking this two-step approach, we can:
- Ensure quality – with strong design principles and environmental standards.
- Plan for the long term – so infrastructure and services grow alongside homes.
- Keep the community at the heart – with local voices shaping decisions.
For more information about the Garden Communities programme, visit Garden Communities – Tewkesbury Borough Council
