Derwenthorpe - An Urban Unicorn

Derwenthorpe has been singled out as, “a rare case of a new Greenfield development that succeeds in being built around walking, cycling and public transport,” in Transport for New Homes new research Building Car Dependency, 2022. Transport for New Homes conclude many new housing developments located in the countryside are adding to congestion, carbon emissions and are trapping communities into car-dependence. However, Derwenthorpe is described as an exception - an urban unicorn and exemplar to other suburban developments that encourages alternative means of transport and reduces reliance on cars. In doing so it avoids the common pitfalls of tarmac dominated development and communities where it is impossible to do anything or go anywhere without using a car.

Transport for New Homes’ report was also discussed in an online article for The Guardian which highlighted Derwenthorpe as one of a few Greenfield developments with sustainable transport links.

Read the full report on the Transport for New Homes website.