The design code which underpins the new Springstead Village development in Cherry Hinton has won a prestigious national award.  

The plans for the flagship project – which is a collaboration between housebuilder Bellway and Latimer, the development arm of affordable homes provider Clarion Housing – won the Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment category at the Landscape Institute Awards 2023.

The Cherry Hinton North Design Code was co-created by urban designer and landscape architects McGregor Coxall and architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, who were commissioned by the Bellway Latimer joint venture.

Springstead Village is a project which will deliver 1,200 new homes on a 138-acre plot that was previously part of the Cambridge Airport site. The plans for the development include new schools, a local centre, recreation areas, allotments and public open spaces.

Ulrich van Eck, Project Director for the Bellway Latimer joint venture, said: “It is great that the design code for the development we are building at Springstead Village has won this coveted national award. We must congratulate the teams at McGregor Coxall and Pollard Thomas Edwards for their sterling work.

“The design code will ensure that Springstead Village will develop a strong sense of place with the provision of a market square of shops, community buildings and spaces for play and exercise near every home. The development will bring homes together in small neighbourhoods, each with its own individual character.

“The scheme features slow-speed tree-lined streets and a network of cycleways and footpaths to encourage residents to leave their cars at home. The landscape-first approach incorporates principles of biodiversity and sustainable land use through the provision of green spaces, wildlife protection areas and the preservation of existing natural habitats on site. 

“We take comfort from the fact that the dedication and hard work by so many, resulting in this impressive document, has been recognised by the judges. This further underpins the commitment of the joint venture to its future and current community. 

“In addition, it validates the unanimous approval received from the Joint Development Control Committee for Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service. The latter being very closely involved in the development of the design code and whom also deserves a lot of credit” 

The award was presented at a ceremony at The Brewery in London.

The Landscape Institute Awards celebrate the contribution of landscape designers, managers, planners, researchers and local authorities towards the creation of environments which bring benefits to people and the planet. In 2023, the awards attracted 150 entries across 17 different categories.

Judges in the Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment category were looking for designers to demonstrate a clearly defined strategy providing a sustainable concept which makes the most of available resources and space, maximises its impact on human health and wellbeing and brings benefits in biodiversity.

Michael Cowdy, UK Founding Director at McGregor Coxall, said: “We are thrilled that the Springstead Village Design Code has earned the Landscape Institute’s accolade for Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment.

“The essence of the Design Code lies in its robust foundation of living infrastructure, weaving climate resilience and societal well-being into the fabric of Springstead Village’s future.

“Central to this project’s triumph was the close collaboration with Pollard Thomas Edwards, Bellway, and the Greater Cambridge Planning teams, a partnership that was instrumental in bringing the Design Code to fruition.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to the Landscape Institute for acknowledging the strategic impact and transformative potential of landscape-led master planning in shaping resilient, vibrant communities.”

To find out more about Springstead Village, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/essex/springstead-village or call the sales team on 01223 081346.

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group is set to launch Hartley Acres, a new development located within the undulating landscapes of the High Weald in Cranbrook, Kent. Comprising a stunning collection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, Hartley Acres is set within an abundance of green space and blends modern living in a commutable location with all the benefits of a rural, community-focused village lifestyle.

Prospective buyers are invited to an exclusive launch event on Saturday 10th February 2024. Please register your interest by emailing enquiries@hartleyacres.co.uk or calling 01580 231556 to book your space and find out more information on the event.

New residents at Hartley Acres will move into a home with an enduring appeal in an idyllic and highly desired location. Designed with sustainability and the future in mind, all homes are energy-efficient and have been thoughtfully considered in terms of layout and specification. The homes have also been designed to be reflective of Kent’s historic architecture with a modern touch to blend in effortlessly with the beautiful surroundings. The colour palette used is inspired by the authentic architectural style of the county; for example, The Crane House is crafted in the style of Kent’s oast houses, which were once used for kiln-drying hops. These buildings are a key part of the region’s historical identity and brewing and agricultural past.

All properties include sleek and stylish integrated appliances as standard and range from two- to five-bedrooms. There is something to suit everyone at Hartley Acres, whether downsizers, second-steppers, families or young professionals.

The impressive development is positioned within open, green spaces and is in an ideal location to enjoy the quintessential Kentish countryside. Precious woodland spaces have been protected for residents to enjoy, with new wildflower meadows, ponds, an orchard and reconnected hedgerow corridors to enrich habitats and biodiversity. At the heart of Hartley Acres, there will be a village green where neighbours can come to meet and socialise.

Reflecting Kent’s status as the ‘Garden of England’, young families will love the extensive open space and rural surroundings at Hartley Acres.  Offering an idyllic and family-friendly lifestyle, Cranbrook is ideally situated within the catchment for several exemplary schools. Most schools are rated ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and range from pre-school and nursery to primary schools and secondary schools. There are also highly regarded sixth form colleges that help young students progress into successful careers.

In addition, Hartley Acres stands out as it will enable residents to discover a true work-life balance. The nearest train station, Staplehurst, is a short drive from the development and is convenient for direct connections to the city, as trains run to London Bridge in 50 minutes and Charing Cross in one hour. Living in this perfect position will allow prospective buyers to embrace the best of being both connected and set apart from the hustle and bustle. While access to the city during the week is simple, residents can relax in the tranquil countryside on the weekends.

Often referred to as the ‘capital of The Weald,’ Cranbrook is a highly sought-after village location that offers many amenities. A post office, bakery and farm shop are just a few of the conveniences only a short walk away, and an array of eateries where first-class food and drink can be enjoyed, complete the enviable lifestyle available here. There is also the Weald Sports Centre nearby, which has a range of exceptional sports and fitness facilities.

Cranbrook is a town that prioritises tradition and culture, which is evident from their recurrent events such as the Apple Fayre, which takes place each autumn, and the bi-annual Cranbrook Literature Festival, which celebrates the area’s literary history, complete with events and competitions for all booklovers involved.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “It is a privilege to be able to enhance this already thriving community while reflecting Kent’s incredible history and architecture within our new collection of homes. This is a highly sought-after location where residents will enjoy quick connections to the city and the coast, as well as relaxing in the open green spaces of the countryside, and I look forward to seeing many others appreciate the benefits of living in this area.”

She continues: “These outstanding, energy-efficient homes are built to the highest specification and are ideal for those looking for a long-term place to settle themselves and establish their roots.”

Prices at Hartley Acres start from £429,950 for a two-bedroom, detached home. For more information, please visit www.hill.co.uk/hartley-acres, or please call 020 3906 1952 or email enquiries@hartleyacres.co.uk.

Plans to transform the centre of Prestwich Village into a thriving heart of the community have been submitted to Bury Council.

Prestwich Regeneration LLP – the joint venture between nationwide placemaker Muse and Bury Council – has lodged a planning application for the £100m+ regeneration of the Longfield Centre site. The ambitious plans are set to cement Prestwich as one of the best places to live and spend time in the North West.

The design has been shaped significantly by input from locals following two stages of consultation, with the final plans including:

• A community hub including a library and flexible community space that can be used for events, clubs and art and culture. The building will also offer an opportunity to deliver a new Prestwich Health Centre, with discussions ongoing with the NHS and local GP practices.

• A new village square with family-friendly social places for all the community to meet and relax, which has been flexibly designed so it provides space for pop-up events like markets, food festivals, art exhibitions and live performances.
• A market hall providing smaller spaces for local retailers to thrive and grow. This includes a food hall for local food operators and communal seating that spills out onto the village square.
• Flexible retail and leisure spaces across the site, which will complement the high street and help to cater for Prestwich’s diverse business community. This includes a new gym.
• Landscaped outdoor and green spaces, trees and places to wander, relax and sit. The existing fountain will be removed and new public art installations will be incorporated throughout the development.
• Enhancing the Prestwich arrival experience from the tram by delivering landscaping which connects with green spaces in the village.
• Relocating car parking in the centre of the site to a new travel hub off Fairfax Road, which will contain electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage and parcel lockers.
• Around 200 new homes, which forms part of the outline application, is envisaged will include a mix from affordable homes to homes for first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers. The design, materials and style will follow in a future detailed planning application.
  

Stuart Rogers, Director of Project Management at Muse, said:

“This is a major moment for the future of Prestwich and the culmination of many months of in-depth community consultation. We’ve been blown away by the response from the local community and their passion. They had some really useful ideas and feedback, much of which we’ve been able to incorporate into the plans.

“One of the things people love about Prestwich is the many independent businesses already here and this really came through during the consultation. So, we decided to increase the amount of retail space by removing one of the residential buildings and added a larger market hall to provide smaller spaces for local retailers to thrive and grow. We’re also looking at how we can provide temporary space during construction for businesses so that the village can continue to be a bustling place for food, drink and shopping. The idea of the village square was also really popular so we’ve increased that in size and also included more green spaces and planting throughout the site.”

Bury Council and Muse formed the Prestwich Regeneration LLP joint venture in October 2022 to drive the project forward. It is expected that a decision on the plans will be made in Spring 2024 with construction starting in mid-late 2024.

Work has officially started on a pioneering scheme to create much-needed affordable homes for the local community in a small Yorkshire Dales village.

The first turf of the Hudswell Community Charity project, which will see three modular homes erected on farmland in the village, was cut this week.

The properties add to the three almshouses and three affordable homes the charity has already built to rent to people with a local connection. One of the new homes may be used as an older person’s shared ownership home following a number of enquiries from local people.

A funding package for the £685,000 scheme was drawn up using rent from the current six homes as well as a council grant from the former Richmondshire District Council and a mortgage through the Charity Bank.

The highly sustainable, insulated modular homes are made by Norscot to withstand the harshest weather, using solar panels for electricity generation and mechanical heat ventilation systems. Local suppliers and tradesmen will erect and fit them out, bringing in additional income for the local economy.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “Hudswell is a small village of just 250 people and yet it is leading the way in community-led regeneration schemes to keep local people living and working locally. Affordable housing is often a barrier for them to stay in the village communities they have grown up in and Hudswell is doing what it can to put that right.

“These new homes will be delivered very quickly and will also provide work for local people.”

Hudswell Community Charity aims to help maintain the village as a sustainable, mixed community, with a growing number of young families, bucking the trend in the Yorkshire Dales where villages are often dominated by holiday and second homes and an increasingly elderly population.  

Charity secretary Martin Booth said: “We are building these three new homes because we want to be able to meet the demand for housing from young families and people with special needs, who cannot afford to live here, but who have a strong local connection.

“They will be highly adaptable eco-homes, that have low energy costs as they will have high levels of insultation, solar panels, green rooves and infra-red heating systems. They will be ‘smart eco homes’ that are suitable for residents with complex needs.

“A recent report showed that in North Yorkshire there is a significant shortage of affordable homes in large parts of the county and an acute housing shortage within the National Parks. The outcome is that rural and remote areas of the county are ageing, and the younger generation is missing out.

“Our housing provision and other activities contribute towards preventing Hudswell from following this trend and the provision of these new homes will greatly contribute towards this ambition.”

The Charity Bank’s, regional manager, Jeremy Ince, added: “This will be the second loan we have made to the Hudswell Community Charity to help fund the provision of new affordable housing in the village. We are really proud to support such a worthwhile project providing much needed homes for the local community.”  

To be eligible for the new properties, residents need to have a local connection to Hudswell – they need to have lived in the parish for at least three years or have a close family member such as a parent or sibling who has lived in the parish for at least three years.

For someone that wants to return to the parish, they must have previously lived in the local area for at least five out of the last 10 years and be in permanent employment or taking up a permanent post with a business based in the parish.

People are also eligible if they need to move to the parish to provide or receive care and support to or from a family member who has lived in the local area for at least three years.