Rangeford Villages’ Strawberry Fields Commended at Prestigious RTPI Awards

Rangeford Villages’ Strawberry Fields in Cambridge has been commended at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) East of England Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 in the Best Homes and Communities Scheme category.

Nominated by Carter Jonas, Strawberry Fields has been recognised for its innovative delivery of a 147-home integrated retirement community alongside a 21-hectare publicly accessible countryside park. The development was designed to meet the growing need for specialist accommodation for older people, creating a safe, inclusive and sociable environment supported by health and wellbeing facilities, accessible routes and landscape-led design.

The RTPI judges praised the scheme’s exceptional environmental credentials, including a remarkable 289% biodiversity net gain, extensive chalk grassland restoration and a long-term stewardship partnership with the Magog Trust. They also highlighted the project’s energy-efficient design, sustainable drainage systems, high-quality landscaping and strong active-travel connections.

In their report, the judges described Strawberry Fields as “an impressive and high-quality scheme” with a clear response to community need. They commended its strong sense of place, intuitive layout, accessibility and early signs of a thriving community centred around shared amenities and social spaces.

The judges further recognised the collaborative planning process involving residents, South Cambridgeshire stakeholders, the Parish Council and the Magog Trust, noting the development’s potential to deliver lasting social and environmental benefits for both residents and visitors.

Doug Jones, Land and Planning Director, Rangeford Villages said: “We are delighted that Strawberry Fields has been recognised by the RTPI East of England Awards. This accolade reflects our commitment to creating high-quality communities that enable people to live independently for longer while enhancing the natural environment.

The judges’ recognition of the scheme’s environmental achievements, strong sense of place and growing community is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our team, partners and stakeholders who helped bring this vision to life.”

This recognition reflects Rangeford Villages’ commitment to creating sustainable, wellbeing-focused communities that support independent living while enhancing the natural environment.