Young minds are leaving their mark on Churchdown, as four pupils from St Mary's Catholic Primary School have been shortlisted in a competition to name the streets in a brand-new housing development.

The competition, run by Barnwood-based Newland Homes, invited pupils to suggest themes for the street names at the housebuilder's latest project on Cheltenham Road East in Churchdown, where planning permission has been granted for 145 zero carbon homes that rely on renewable energy for heat and power in place of fossil fuels.

The competition aimed to help engage young people in their local community and to leave a legacy for future generations. Pupils were tasked to think up names inspired by the local area's history, geography and culture.

Many imaginative entries were received, and four outstanding themes were selected by Newland Homes. Year 2 pupil Marko Djakovic suggested names that represented the electrical and zero carbon revolution. Leila Gunter from Year 4 chose the theme of local planes. Annabelle Mak from Year 6 suggested wildlife found in Churchdown. Finally, Jennifer O'Malley from Year 5 suggested names of inspirational women from Gloucestershire.

The Newland Homes judges were impressed with the pupils' thoughtful and creative suggestions, which celebrate the unique heritage and character of Churchdown. The shortlisted pupils were celebrated in a special assembly at the school and awarded a book gift token for their contributions.

The final decision on the street names rests with the council, who are in the process of reviewing the themes suggested in consultation with other stakeholders.

Catherine Sheppard, planning manager at Newland Homes, said: "By involving local children in the street naming process, we celebrate Churchdown's rich heritage and ensure that the voices of the next generation are heard in the development of their hometown. We were thrilled with the level of creativity shown by the pupils at St Mary's, as they came up with topics we would never have thought of!"

Liam Jordan, headteacher at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, said: "The competition really inspired the pupils' creative thinking in relation to what makes this area special and the amazing individuals who originate from the county. To have the opportunity to contribute to the street naming process is something that the children were understandably very excited by, and this was reflected in the number and quality of the entries."

Cllr Mary Jordan said: "As a councillor for St John's ward I was really pleased to be part of the presentation ceremony. It is so valuable to establish these types of links where children can have input into their local areas. The partnership between St Mary's and Newland Homes is a great opportunity for children to learn about new technologies and ways of addressing climate change."

Construction work will commence on Cheltenham Road East later this year, with the first zero carbon homes likely to be released for sale by the end of this year. Homes will range in size from one bedroom through to five bedrooms. In addition, 51 of the 145 new homes will be affordable homes.

Almost 50% of the development will become public open space, with a meandering play area, meadow area and woodland planting for all to enjoy. Proposed landscaping enhancements will provide fantastic ecology and wildlife benefits, meaning that the natural environment will be measurably improved from its current state.

Newland Homes is building zero carbon homes across the South West in Wiltshire, North Somerset, Bristol and Gloucestershire. 

To find out more about the new zero carbon homes in Churchdown, visit www.newlandhomes.co.uk or follow @newlandhomes on socials.