Westfield, Harwell
Comm Comm started working with Sovereign Network Group in 2025, to deliver the community consultation for the renewal of the homes in Harwell, in the Vale of White Horse. We have undertaken direct engagement with affected residents and provided a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) to support the local community.
Our role:
Planning consultation communications
Resident Liaison Office responsibilities
Existing site:
The site is a residential estate in the Westfield area of Harwell, a village within the Vale of White Horse district, Oxfordshire near Didcot. The proposed regeneration area is predominantly owned and managed by SNG, comprising approximately 70 homes.
Most of the homes are ageing and inefficient, have reached the end of their lifespan and are difficult and costly to heat and maintain. They do not meet the standards SNG aims to provide for its customers.
The public realm and streetscape are poor, presenting an opportunity to enhance the overall neighbourhood environment.
Scheme deliverables:
Early engagement to explore investment and improvements in the area
Working with SNG’s Homes and Place Standard to explain why the homes, and the area, needs regeneration
Gather feedback to help inform proposals for new and better homes
Improvements to green space, play areas, biodiversity, sustainability and pedestrian links
Proposals are developing towards a planning application in late 2026.
Communications undertaken:
EqIA produced to understand the demographic of the area and identify any groups who are less likely to engage, or require tailored communications
Consultation website, designed as a sister site to the SNG corporate website, ensuring a professional, consistent approach for customers
Consultation event to introduce the proposals and gather feedback from the community (November 2024)
Door knocking has been undertaken to encourage engagement
Surveys to test sentiment and gather feedback (print and digital)
Feedback booklet issued to all residents, sharing feedback and explaining next steps (March 2026)
Regular contact with local parish councillors, ward members and other local groups
Comm Comm has supplied a Resident Liaisons Officer from our team to work with Harwell residents, providing a weekly drop-in and with opportunity to discuss questions and concerns in a 1:1 setting
Co-design workshops planned, to ensure the community has chance to impact the proposals
We have supported the project team with key messaging, letters, risk registers and action plans.
Status of scheme:
SNG are taking a phased approach to proposals, with several phases of consultation still to be undertaken. Planning submission expected in late 2026.hed in early 2026.