08/08/2026
Update from Stalbridge Community Land Trust:
What we heard in July, and what happens next at Barrow Hill:
Thank you to everyone who came along, asked questions, shared concerns, and shared ideas during our July community gatherings.
People raised serious questions about traffic, access, parking, noise, the business plan and whether a project of this scale can really be achieved. We are listening to all of it.
There was also a great deal of excitement about what Barrow Hill could make possible: arts and rural crafts, nature and rewilding, opportunities for children and young people, and a community-owned alternative to conventional developer-led development.
One thing became especially clear: this project will only work if it is shaped and carried by the community.
We’ve created a digital community workbook to share what people have told us, what is developing and what remains unresolved. You can find it through our website:
https://stalbridgecommunitylandtrust.co.uk/
It isn’t perfect. We’re a small volunteer team taking on a massive project, and there is still a great deal to work through. But we want to be transparent, share what we know and be honest about what we don’t yet know.
We’re now looking for more residents to become actively involved in areas including:
Planning and supporting community events
Communications and local distribution
Involving young people
Traffic and access
Fundraising
Arts, making and community activity
Business planning and project development
You don’t need to join the board or commit to everything. You might have a particular skill, a few hours to offer or one area you care deeply about.
We’ll be holding more events during August, including opportunities to dig into the detail and help develop the plans.
If you’d like us to contact you when the dates are confirmed, comment below or send us a message. We’ll also share them on this page.
And please keep sharing your questions, concerns and ideas. Don’t assume somebody else has already raised them. This is a community process being built by local residents, and we want the difficult questions as well as the enthusiasm.
Tell us what you think. Tell us what worries you. Tell us what you would love Barrow Hill to become.
Stalbridget CLT
