In the heart of Bawburgh, Norfolk, we recently hosted an exciting public consultation event that invited local residents to engage with proposed plans for 35 new homes in their community. This wasn’t your typical consultation event—incorporating virtual reality (VR) to showcase the designs, we created an immersive experience that allowed attendees to truly explore and visualize the proposed development as if it were already standing.

Artist Impression by WT Design Ltd – Masterplan (Image 1)

Our proposed development aims to introduce 35 new homes to Bawburgh, each designed to complement the area's rural charm while meeting modern housing needs. We prioritised energy efficiency, sustainability, and design cohesion to create a neighbourhood that feels both fresh and in harmony with the natural landscape and historical architecture of the village.

The houses are envisioned to cater to a mix of residents, with various house sizes and layouts designed to accommodate families, young professionals, and older adults. Our goal was to ensure the design had something for everyone, reinforcing the sense of community and belonging that Bawburgh is known for.

Artist Impression by WT Design Ltd – Street View Visual (Image 4)

One of the unique aspects of our consultation was the use of virtual reality. Typically, public consultations present architectural drawings, maps, and digital renderings on display boards. While helpful, these can sometimes feel detached or difficult for residents to interpret in terms of scale and personal impact.

Using VR, we allowed attendees to walk virtually through the development, moving around the proposed homes, exploring outdoor spaces, and experiencing the layout of roads and walkways. This technology gave them a realistic feel of the space and how the new homes would blend into their surroundings.

Artist Impression by WT Design Ltd – View of the Site (Image 3)

With the consultation event completed and feedback collected, our team is now analysing the suggestions and considering adjustments to ensure the final proposal aligns with the needs of the Bawburgh community. We’ll also be exploring further VR engagements to help residents visualise updates and encourage continued participation.

Our consultation event showcased the potential of VR as a tool for community planning and communication, and the enthusiastic response from Bawburgh residents affirms its value. We’re excited to take the next steps in creating a development that serves and celebrates this vibrant Norfolk village, and we’re grateful to everyone who participated and shared their valuable input.

Stay tuned for further updates as we refine our proposal and move forward on this journey.