Vistry Plans Construction of 266 New Homes in Gloucestershire
Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, has announced the completion of a significant housing acquisition in Cam, Gloucestershire. The project will see the delivery of 266 new homes in the village, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued commitment to expanding quality housing options in the region.
The acquisition is part of Vistry’s well-established partner delivery model, which blends private housing sales with strategic collaborations to increase the supply of affordable homes. As part of this arrangement, Vistry has forward-sold 160 of the homes to Thriving Investments—the fund management arm of Places for People—ensuring that more than half of the new properties will be made available as affordable housing.
The remaining 106 homes will be marketed and sold directly by Vistry’s Linden Homes brand, targeting homebuyers seeking quality, modern housing in a well-connected part of Gloucestershire.
Building on an Existing Success Story
This latest phase of development spans four distinct land parcels that are part of a much larger masterplanned site in Cam. Vistry is no stranger to the area—238 homes have already been successfully completed in earlier stages of the project, many of which have been well-received by both buyers and the local community.
By expanding the development, Vistry aims to further strengthen the village’s housing stock while ensuring that a significant proportion of the new homes cater to affordable housing needs.
Supriya Ray, Regional Managing Director of Vistry Cotswolds, highlighted the importance of the project:
“We’re pleased to be providing a further 266 homes in Cam, having already successfully delivered 238 homes on the wider site. By working in partnership with Thriving Investments, more than half of them will be available in affordable housing tenures, making a major contribution to the area’s affordable housing supply and giving local people genuine opportunities to own or rent a quality new home.”
Ray’s comments underline Vistry’s dual focus: delivering high-quality homes for the open market while also addressing a persistent shortage of affordable housing in Gloucestershire.
Partnership-Driven Affordable Housing Delivery
Thriving Investments, through its Gresham House Thriving Investments Residential Secure Income LP fund, plays a key role in financing and delivering affordable housing schemes across the UK. By forward-purchasing a substantial portion of the homes at Cam, the organisation helps de-risk the development for Vistry while ensuring that local residents will benefit from secure, long-term rental and ownership options at accessible price points.
Ben Fry, Fund Manager at Thriving Investments, emphasised the broader social and economic benefits of the project:
“This investment demonstrates the power of place-based capital to deliver long-term positive impact for communities. We’re proud to be working alongside Vistry to bring forward a high-quality, sustainable housing scheme that addresses real economic and social needs for local housing in Gloucestershire. The development will provide families, individuals, and key workers with access to secure and affordable housing, alongside robust returns for investors.”
Fry’s statement reflects the growing importance of impact investing in the UK housing sector, where private capital is increasingly being deployed to achieve both financial returns and meaningful community outcomes.
Local Housing Context and Economic Impact
Cam, located just outside Dursley and within easy reach of Bristol, Gloucester, and Cheltenham, has seen a steady rise in housing demand in recent years. The area’s mix of rural charm, transport connectivity, and proximity to employment hubs makes it a desirable location for both families and professionals.
However, like many parts of the UK, Cam faces an affordability gap. According to local housing data, the average property price in Gloucestershire has risen by more than 20% over the past five years, outpacing wage growth and limiting homeownership opportunities for many residents.
By delivering 160 affordable homes, the Vistry-Thriving Investments partnership aims to bridge part of that gap. Affordable housing tenures are expected to include shared ownership, affordable rent, and potentially social rent, depending on local authority agreements and housing association involvement.
Beyond housing access, the development is poised to deliver significant economic benefits. Large-scale construction projects of this kind typically generate:
- Local employment opportunities for tradespeople, contractors, and suppliers.
- Spending boosts for nearby shops, cafes, and service providers as new residents move in.
- Infrastructure improvements, which may include upgraded roads, footpaths, and community spaces.
Sustainability and Community Design
While specific design details for the 266 new homes have yet to be fully released, Vistry has a track record of integrating sustainable building practices into its developments. Recent projects from the group have featured:
- Energy-efficient building materials and insulation.
- Low-carbon heating solutions, such as air-source heat pumps.
- Solar panel installations on selected homes.
- Biodiversity enhancements, including green corridors, wildflower planting, and wildlife-friendly fencing.
Given the increasing focus on net-zero targets and future-proofing housing stock, it is likely that the Cam development will incorporate many of these features. This would not only reduce the environmental footprint of the homes but also lower ongoing energy costs for residents—an increasingly important factor amid fluctuating utility prices.
Community planning will also play a key role. The wider site, already partially developed, has been designed to foster a sense of neighbourhood through:
- Public green spaces and play areas.
- Pedestrian-friendly pathways connecting homes to local amenities.
- Easy access to schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport.
The four new land parcels will integrate seamlessly with these existing community assets, helping to create a cohesive and welcoming living environment.
Aligning with National Housing Policy
The Cam development aligns closely with national housing priorities. The UK government has set ambitious targets to increase housing supply, with a focus on mixed-tenure schemes that cater to both market demand and affordable housing needs. Partner-led delivery models—where private developers work with institutional investors, housing associations, and local councils—are seen as essential in achieving these goals.
Vistry’s ability to secure a forward sale agreement with Thriving Investments ensures financial certainty for the project while guaranteeing that affordable homes will be delivered in line with agreed timelines. Such arrangements are increasingly popular in the sector, particularly as housing associations face constraints on borrowing and public funding remains limited.
