Clergy and others gathered at St Helen’s Church in Worcester for a day on exploring the mission opportunities of the many new housing developments planned across Worcestershire and Dudley.
Speakers spoke about the process that new developments go through, how churches can get involved and different ways in which churches can come alongside those in new homes and help to build community.
The day was opened by Bishop Martin, who asked delegates what makes a new house feel like home and the importance of building community within that.
Duncan Rudge, Director of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review gave a town planner’s perspective, talking about the importance of developing pride in place.
Ed Elliman and Joe Lamb from Taylor Wimpey explained that they want to build houses in areas where people want to live – otherwise they won’t sell the houses! As they build new homes, the company puts significant investment back into the local community, through contributions to schools, improving green spaces and affordable housing. Ed and Joe talked specifically about the community hub being developed as part of a big development in Kidderminster.
The Revd Sue Steer is a Baptist Minister and pioneer community worker who has been at the centre of a project in New Lubbesthorpe, Leicestershire to build healthy community. She spoke about the work they have been doing in the new development as well as the importance of managing expectations and understanding how long things take.
Delegates also heard from the Revd Canon Becky Dyball, Bishop’s Missioner in the Diocese of Peterborough, who set up Coffee Ark in her previous role – a missional social enterprise in Glatton Village on the edge of the Fens in Cambridgeshire. During her presentation, Becky shows a video from Songs of Praise, you can view the video here (skip to 11:50) Available on BBC iPlayer at time of publishing.
The event concluded with the speakers taking part in a panel discussion chaired by Canon Hugh Richards, Churchwarden and barrister with experience in housing and planning issues.