Oakwood Park in Wimborne has welcomed its first residents. Cala Homes is now delivering the development, building on Richborough’s successful promotion of the 111-acre site and our work to secure outline planning permission in February 2023.
Sensitive planning shaped by context
Oakwood Park is one of Richborough’s flagship sites shortlisted for an Urban Design Award, and recognised for the quality of its landscape-led masterplanning and Design Code. Our work established a robust framework for a new neighbourhood of up to 550 homes, a 60-bed care home, extensive public open space, allotments, children’s play areas, a community car park, and over 16 hectares of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace.
The site’s location, framed by the River Stour, two Conservation Areas (Canford Magna and Oakley Lane), listed buildings including the Lady Wimborne Cottages and the historic carriage drive to Grade I-listed Canford School, demanded a nuanced and contextual approach. Through extensive pre-application engagement, including two public exhibitions, close consultation with local stakeholders and a Design Review Panel, Richborough developed a masterplan centred on:
- Four character areas inspired by the Dorset vernacular
- Strong green infrastructure and heritage buffers
- Integration of existing landscape features
- A clear, adaptable design framework for Reserved Matter
A design legacy carried forward by Cala Homes
Cala Homes have embraced the principles and ambitions set out in Richborough’s detailed Design Code and illustrative layout, enabling them to secure their Reserved Matters application quickly. Their approach is already delivering high-quality homes that blend modern living with the character of the area, supported by walkable routes, shared green spaces, discreet parking and enhanced biodiversity.
Charlotte Lewis, Group Design Director at Richborough notes: “Oakwood Park is a great example of how Richborough secure quality, market facing and deliverable permissions – which makes us a partner of choice for housebuilders. For this site, our outline masterplan and Design Code, which were both recently shortlisted for a National Urban Design Award, helped speed up the Reserved Matters application approval process. The design has carried through from outline to detail incredibly well.
As Sam Thixton Area Land Director at Cala Homes (Southern) commented at completion:
“We were delighted to develop our Oakwood Park development in accordance with the guiding principles of Richborough’s detailed Design Code. Their code and illustrative layout were integral to the Outline Planning Application, setting clear parameters and design intent which have enabled a locally distinctive character to develop at Reserved Matters stage. It will ensure a scheme of the highest design quality is built out in a tranquil landscape setting, leaving a legacy for both Cala Homes and Richborough to be proud of.”
A successful collaboration
The early success at Oakwood Park demonstrates how strategic land promotion, careful masterplanning and strong partnerships can shape places that deliver long-term community benefit. We are looking forward to seeing the next phases of this scheme take shape.