Ecology-Led Design: from Newts to Net Gain

At Houlton in Warwickshire, biodiversity was not treated as a constraint to development, but as a cornerstone of placemaking. Transforming the former Rugby Radio Station into a sustainable urban extension for over 6,000 homes, Urban & Civic embedded ecology into the masterplan from the very outset.

This case study explores how a species‑led approach, centred on the conservation and enhancement of Great Crested Newts, helped shape a long‑term, landscape‑led vision. Through early investment in green infrastructure, close collaboration with regulators and ecologists, and a commitment to learning through delivery, Houlton demonstrates how biodiversity net gain can be achieved at scale while creating a connected, resilient environment for both people and nature.

Project Summary