Hazelwood, an exclusive new development of 17 detached luxury homes, has come to the market through selling agents Knight Frank. Set in the idyllic South Staffordshire village of Great Wyrley, nestled in seven acres of beautiful countryside, Hazelwood offers privacy and tranquility just minutes from major transport links.

The secure gated development comprises 14 detached houses on approximately one-third acre plots and 3 detached bungalows, each on their own private land. The thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom homes feature Porcelanosa tiling, German Nobilia kitchens with integrated Neff appliances, air sourced heat pumps, underfloor heating and CCTV security systems.

Residents can enjoy countryside views from their balconies and patios. The properties also come fully networked for home automation systems and each home has a detached garage and an electric vehicle charging point.

“Hazelwood offers a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally appointed new home in a peaceful rural setting,” said Kate Horton, Associate at Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team. “With an attractive village location and easy access to major towns and cities, these homes appeal to commuters, families and professionals alike.”

The village of Great Wyrley offers a traditional English country lifestyle just 12 miles from Wolverhampton and Birmingham city centres. The Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within a 5-mile drive.

Hazelwood is now ready for occupation with prices starting from £1,500,000.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team newhomesbirmingham@knightfrank.com Tel: 0121 233 6495.

www.knightfrank.com

Families have welcomed a decision to introduce a council tax premium on second homes to help to tackle a critical lack of affordable housing that is undermining North Yorkshire’s communities.

Members of North Yorkshire Council have today (Wednesday, February 21) backed plans to introduce a 100 per cent premium for council tax bills on second homes in the county from April next year.

The new scheme will effectively double council tax bills for second homeowners and means that North Yorkshire is one of the first areas in the country to progress with adopting the Government’s new measures.

The policy will be adopted from April 1 next year, given the requirements under the new national legislation to give second homes owners a 12-month period of notice before the charges are applied.

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, welcomed the decision at today’s meeting of the full council to agree the council tax premium on second homes, which he claimed will play an important role in helping to provide more affordable housing.

Cllr Les said: “The need for more affordable housing has long been recognised in North Yorkshire, and we are committed to doing all we can to allow people to live in the places that they wish to.

“The fact that the county is such a wonderful place to live and work is one of its biggest draws, and as a result this has compounded the issues surrounding affordable housing.

“We also welcome visitors from across the world every year, and while there needs to be a balance with preserving the visitor economy, the current situation is simply not sustainable.

“As a council, we are leading the way to become one of the first local authorities to introduce the council tax premium on second homes. It will help to free up homes, and ensure our communities remain sustainable for the future.”

The proposals are ultimately aimed at bringing second homes back into use for local communities after many people have been priced out of the housing market in some of North Yorkshire’s most desirable locations.

It is also expected that the decision to introduce the premium will provide a multi-million pound boost to finance council priorities, including a central aim to use the funding to help introduce more housing in areas particularly affected by the affordability crisis.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for finance, Cllr Gareth Dadd, who is also the authority’s deputy leader, said: “There is an acute shortage of housing for local people in many communities in North Yorkshire, and this has been an issue that has long affected their opportunities to actually buy their own home.

“Whether it be locations such as the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors or coastal towns such as Scarborough and Whitby, the fact that these are wonderful places to live has heightened these issues.

“As a council, we are proud of such a forward-thinking scheme to introduce the council tax premium that will ideally see these second homes brought back into use for local people. But if not, then there will be a valuable new revenue stream created that will help fund council priorities, such as helping introduce more housing for local communities.”

Among the couples who have battled to find a home in North Yorkshire are David and Caroline Harper, who have two children, Phillip, aged nine, and five-year-old Lucy.

Mr Harper, 37, a teaching assistant, and his 34-year-old wife spent more than four years looking to find a suitable property to live in after they married in 2012.

They eventually managed to secure a three-bedroom house in the village of Hudswell, near Richmond, where Mr Harper grew up.

He said: “We did face particular challenges to find a home, as we had always wanted to live near our friends and family in the village where I grew up.

“It was a difficult housing market then, and it is even worse now to find a suitable property that you can afford.

“We were very fortunate to find the home we are in now, but we can relate to the issues other families are facing, particularly in rural areas of North Yorkshire.

“The council tax premium on second homes is a crucial new policy and will help to free up houses, and while there is not one single solution, this will undoubtedly help.

“It is a balancing act as the tourism industry is so important to North Yorkshire, but people deserve the right to be able to live in the communities where they want to.”

Analysis has shown that the introduction of a 100 per cent premium on council tax bills for second homes in North Yorkshire could generate between £11.5 million and £16.5 million a year in additional revenue.

The Scarborough area has the potential to bring in almost half of the additional revenue due to the large number of second homes in coastal towns such as Whitby, Scarborough and Filey.

A lack of affordable housing across North Yorkshire has been a long-running issue, accentuated in many of the county’s rural and coastal locations that are among the most desirable places to live in the country.

There is a high demand for second homes, increasing the strain on an already limited housing stock. According to figures from the National Housing Federation, there are 8,081 second homes in North Yorkshire – the highest number in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Sustainable property company CITU has delivered its first affordable homes within the Aire Lofts apartment scheme, at the heart of the pioneering, multi award-winning Climate Innovation District in Leeds.

Working in partnership with social housing provider Leeds Community Homes (LCH), eight one and two-bedroom apartments are now available with the first residents set to move in imminently. This tranche is part of Aire Lofts and is the first of three phases of affordable homes being developed at the Climate Innovation District which will ultimately offer a total of 16 homes within the community. Three homes in this phase are being marketed as shared ownership* opportunities with the remainder available through social rent agreements.

CITU has been working with LCH since 2016 to incorporate social housing as an integral part of the Climate Innovation District which is being delivered on the banks of the River Aire, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The LCH-managed homes of course enjoy the same industry-leading specification and sustainable credentials as their neighbours, with high performing energy efficiency in all the homes which are designed and manufactured on site.

The homes offer city centre living combined seamlessly with zero carbon sustainability credentials. All the apartments’ interiors feature a high-quality finish with concrete floors, exposed pipework and maximum natural light. It’s a ‘less but better’, stripped back aesthetic and bold design that has attracted industry accolades and the thriving, growing community already resident at the District.

Once complete, Aire Lofts will consist of 108 one and two-bedroom apartments, with a handful of bespoke penthouses. These have been designed around open, shared outdoor spaces, including a large central green, purposefully bringing residents together to create a social and inclusive community. Every apartment also benefits from south-facing windows to maximise natural light and fresh air, and abundant green space with plants, many of them edible, surrounding the building. A new green space is also set to open imminently with a football pitch, outdoor cooking facilities and a tennis wall for residents to enjoy.

CITU’s in-house design team maximised the internal space of the apartments by eliminating corridors to create spacious, airy and bright rooms with apartments enjoying dual aspect views of Leeds cityscape.

CITU Managing Director Jonathan Wilson said: “CITU is a zero-carbon, place-maker and developer with creativity and design at its core. Often developments treat affordable housing as an inconvenient add-on to be accommodated, rather than an opportunity to build a truly inclusive and diverse community where every person has something of value to contribute.

“We focus on making sustainable living, and inclusive design completely accessible we will of course do the right thing for the right reasons this approach has been rooted in the Climate Innovation District from when the very first home was built. Ultimately, it is about creating a beautiful and sustainable future for all of our residents, irrespective of the journey that brought them here.”

Jimm Reed, LCH Development Director added: “Since the very beginning we have enjoyed a close relationship with CITU and have been really encouraged by their vision of a truly inclusive community where everyone is welcome. You can see that already even with the District only part-occupied, it really is an incredible place.

“As well as the properties available via social rent, we also have three apartments allocated for shared ownership. These are an excellent opportunity for people in Leeds who can’t otherwise afford it to get a foot on the first rung of the property ladder, in an award-winning development, which is such a rarity in a prime city centre location.”

*Shared ownership allows a first-time buyer to purchase up to 75% of the property and pay rent on the remaining part. Anyone interested in shared ownership at Aire Lofts, can find out more at https://leedscommunityhomes.org.uk/climate-innovation-district/

• Homes in East Renfrewshire are selling the most above list price over every other area in the UK 
• East Dunbartonshire is second in the rankings, with prices rising at an average of around £34,155 more than they were originally listed for 
• Cambridge is selling homes the third most above list price 

New research has found the UK areas selling homes the most above list price, with East Renfrewshire taking the lead. 

The study by experts at moving platform Getamover.co.uk analysed historical Zoopla data for homes sold at a different amount than the list price. The average sale price, average listing price and the difference between the two were considered to reveal which areas see the most homes above their original list price and how much more on average.  

It found that East Renfrewshire has the highest number of properties sold above the list price in the UK. On average, a home in East Renfrewshire is sold for £272,187, but homes are listed initially at an average price of £235,479. This means that potential buyers who are looking to purchase a house in this area are seeing an average price increase of £36,708. 

East Dunbartonshire takes second place, with the average home in this area selling for £262,979 compared to its £228,824 list price. The average difference between its sale price and what it originally listed is £34,155. 

Cambridge comes third on the list, where homes sell for around £31,662 more than originally listed. The average sale price for a home in Cambridge is £779,219, but houses tend to be listed for around £747,557. 

In fourth place is Edinburgh, with an average selling price of £329,51; homes in this city tend to be listed at £298,887. The price increase tends to leave potential buyers needing an additional £30,627 more than anticipated. 

Completing the top five is East Lothian, where homes tend to be listed on average at around £255,219. Despite the original list prices in the area, homes typically sell for £284,675, which is £29,456 more than the original price range. 

The City of London is seeing houses sold on average at £807,500. However, homes are typically listed at around £849,983, which is a £42,483 reduction in price.  

On the other hand, Manchester is listing houses at £228,138 on average, but the properties on the market are selling at an average of £234,848, which is £6,711 more than the average list price. 

The top 10 areas in the UK where homes are selling the most above list price  

Commenting on the findings, David Burrows, head of Getamover.co.uk,: 

“Buying a home is expensive no matter where in the UK you choose to settle down, but a fantastic investment, this study gives huge insight into the most desired areas of the country and where you might find yourself having to pay rather a lot more than the original list price. 

Typically in the UK, the best time to purchase or sell a property is during spring or summertime. By avoiding the colder winter and autumnal months, the risk of having to move during adverse weather conditions like snow and ice is less likely, making a more seamless completion of the sale and getting you in or out of your new home in no time. 

Interestingly, despite London being the most populated city in the UK, it struggles to sell homes above the original list price compared to similar popular areas such as Manchester and Glasgow, which rank higher in the rankings. House prices are also affected by the seasons. Prices are higher at certain times of the year, often spiking in the summer months, especially July, in comparison to the colder months mainly after the Christmas period. It has been found that there are more buyers in the market in spring and summer which means prices do not need to be discounted.” 

Wain Homes’ Severn Valley region has welcomed West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to officially launch a brownfield site where Solihull agent DM & Co Homes has been retained to sell a range of 109 new residential properties.

The Mayor paid tribute to Wain Homes for choosing to develop The Green in Shirley on the location of what was the ex-Lucas Industries building, known latterly as the TRW Technical Centre, which is a brownfield site.

Work has already started on the six acre site at The Green which is situated on the main A34 Stratford Road commuter route into Birmingham from the M42, with the show homes and sales office now open.

Andy Street said: “I have been constantly campaigning to ensure that derelict and disused brownfield sites are targeted for development before cherished Green Belt.

“That’s why I am particularly pleased to be able to see for myself what Wain Homes have set out to achieve on a redundant former office site that has been unused for years. I cannot think of a better use for this site in such a good location.

“The Green will provide much needed new homes from apartments for first time buyers to families looking to grow into three and four bedroom homes. There really is something for everybody at The Green.”

Sophie Gwynne, New Homes sales manager at DM & Co. Homes, said they were already taking off-plan reservations on the first tranche of homes that have been released, with lots of excitement surrounding the new development.

“We are proud to have been appointed by Wain Homes to act as their sole selling agents in what is an ever popular area of the Birmingham and Solihull conurbation. The Green is a creative and innovative project to regenerate a brownfield site and create new, energy efficient and sustainable community for the future.”

Carl Haley, managing director of Wain Homes’ Severn Valley region, said: “Through our fantastic houses, Wain Homes will add value to local communities by regenerating historic older areas, such as here in Solihull.

“We are providing a wide range of homes, from those seeking their first time home, to downsize, or looking to move up to one of our three or four bedroom family homes.”

Dominic Murphy, managing director of DM & Co. Homes, said: “Wain Group is one of the UK’s largest private residential developers, aiming to enrich areas to make them better spaces for everyone to live.

“We are proud to have been appointed by Wain Homes to act as their sole selling agents in what is an ever popular area of the Birmingham and Solihull conurbation.

Prices will range from £330,000 for the two bedroom home, £390,000-£465,000 for the 3 bedroom properties and £490,000-£530,000 for the four bedroom executive properties. Prices for the apartments are yet to be confirmed.

Further details are available from https://www.wainhomes.co.uk/developments/the-green/ or by contacting Sophie Gwynne on sophie.gwynne@dmandcohomes.co.uk or call the Solihull office on 0121 775 0101.

• Homes in East Renfrewshire are selling the most above list price over every other area in the UK 
• East Dunbartonshire is second in the rankings, with prices rising at an average of around £34,155 more than they were originally listed for 
• Cambridge is selling homes the third most above list price 

New research has found the UK areas selling homes the most above list price, with East Renfrewshire taking the lead. 

The study by experts at moving platform Getamover.co.uk analysed historical Zoopla data for homes sold at a different amount than the list price. The average sale price, average listing price and the difference between the two were considered to reveal which areas see the most homes above their original list price and how much more on average.  

It found that East Renfrewshire has the highest number of properties sold above the list price in the UK. On average, a home in East Renfrewshire is sold for £272,187, but homes are listed initially at an average price of £235,479. This means that potential buyers who are looking to purchase a house in this area are seeing an average price increase of £36,708. 

East Dunbartonshire takes second place, with the average home in this area selling for £262,979 compared to its £228,824 list price. The average difference between its sale price and what it originally listed is £34,155. 

Cambridge comes third on the list, where homes sell for around £31,662 more than originally listed. The average sale price for a home in Cambridge is £779,219, but houses tend to be listed for around £747,557. 

In fourth place is Edinburgh, with an average selling price of £329,51; homes in this city tend to be listed at £298,887. The price increase tends to leave potential buyers needing an additional £30,627 more than anticipated. 

Completing the top five is East Lothian, where homes tend to be listed on average at around £255,219. Despite the original list prices in the area, homes typically sell for £284,675, which is £29,456 more than the original price range. 

The City of London is seeing houses sold on average at £807,500. However, homes are typically listed at around £849,983, which is a £42,483 reduction in price.  

On the other hand, Manchester is listing houses at £228,138 on average, but the properties on the market are selling at an average of £234,848, which is £6,711 more than the average list price. 

The top 10 areas in the UK where homes are selling the most above list price  

*Please contact for the full table. 

Commenting on the findings, David Burrows, head of Getamover.co.uk,: 

“Buying a home is expensive no matter where in the UK you choose to settle down, but a fantastic investment, this study gives huge insight into the most desired areas of the country and where you might find yourself having to pay rather a lot more than the original list price. 

Typically in the UK, the best time to purchase or sell a property is during spring or summertime. By avoiding the colder winter and autumnal months, the risk of having to move during adverse weather conditions like snow and ice is less likely, making a more seamless completion of the sale and getting you in or out of your new home in no time. 

Interestingly, despite London being the most populated city in the UK, it struggles to sell homes above the original list price compared to similar popular areas such as Manchester and Glasgow, which rank higher in the rankings. House prices are also affected by the seasons. Prices are higher at certain times of the year, often spiking in the summer months, especially July, in comparison to the colder months mainly after the Christmas period. It has been found that there are more buyers in the market in spring and summer which means prices do not need to be discounted.” 

Moving to a new home in the UK is exciting but can also be quite complex. With the thrill of beginning anew, you’ll have to tackle the nitty-gritty details of moving house. During this process, you’ll come across situations that are specific to living in Britain. In this piece, we’re going to explore eight key reasons why using self-storage can be incredibly helpful when you’re going through a move within the UK.

Limited Space in UK Homes

One of the foremost challenges when switching homes in the UK is the perennial issue of space constraints. Numerous UK homes, especially those in urban areas, are renowned for their compact designs. This absence of space can pose a formidable hurdle during your transition. Thankfully, self-storage provides an ingenious remedy.

Self-storage offers an effective solution to the spatial limitations that often accompany changing residences in the UK. It lets you keep things that don’t really fit in your new place, which helps maintain both its usefulness and nice looks.

Renting a self-storage unit can be a great way to declutter and reorganise your living space. It gives you the opportunity to sort through your belongings and determine what you want to hold onto, donate, or discard. This process not only helps in making your home feel more open and neat but also simplifies any future moves, potentially reducing moving costs as well.

Temporary Housing Situations

The path to a new home in the UK frequently involves temporary housing arrangements. Whether it’s waiting for your new home’s closing date or transitioning between properties, these interim periods can prove challenging, especially when accompanied by all your belongings.

This is where self-storage steps in as a practical ally. Self-storage facilities extend flexible rental periods, making them ideal for housing your possessions during these transitional phases. With self-storage, you can rest assured that your items are securely stowed away until you secure a permanent residence.

Downsizing and Transitioning

More and more people are choosing to live in smaller homes as their lifestyles change and they look for different kinds of houses. This shift to a cosier space requires careful planning and sorting through your stuff.

Self-storage plays an instrumental role in this transition. It offers secure space to house the surplus items that might not find a comfortable spot in your new, more compact dwelling. When embracing downsizing, it’s imperative to efficiently evaluate and select the items you’ll be taking with you. Self-storage guarantees that cherished possessions remain intact and easily accessible whenever you require them.

Renovations and Home Improvements

It’s quite common for homeowners to upgrade their homes to boost their market value and make their living areas more comfortable. But when you’re moving house, tackling home improvement projects can present some special difficulties.

For instance, if you’re planning to sell your home, renovations may improve its appeal to potential buyers, but they need careful timing. Starting too close to your moving date could lead to unfinished work that might deter buyers or disrupt the sale process. On the other hand, if you’ve just bought a new place and want to personalise it before settling in, managing renovations from afar adds complexity—coordinating with contractors and ensuring materials are delivered on time becomes a juggling act with packing up your old home. Whether enhancing an existing property or customising a new one during relocation, strategic planning is essential for smooth transitions without compromising on improvements.

Self-storage emerges as a practical solution for shielding your belongings during renovations. By temporarily relocating your possessions off-site, you shield them from potential harm due to construction work, dust, or debris. This affords you the freedom to focus on the renovation process without the nagging concern that your valuable belongings are exposed to harm.

To optimise your experience with self-storage during renovations, meticulous preparation is paramount. Ensure that your items are securely packed and have a clear strategy for retrieving them once the renovation concludes. By employing self-storage as a protective measure, you can confidently turn your home into an ideal living space.

Seasonal Storage Needs

The ever-changing British climate necessitates solutions for seasonal storage. Items like winter clothing, gardening equipment, and holiday decorations may not be required throughout the year but demand safe storage.

Self-storage provides a convenient response to these seasonal requirements. You can access your seasonal possessions whenever the occasion arises without cluttering your primary living space. Proper packaging and organisation of these items within self-storage ensure they remain in top-notch condition, ready for use as the seasons shift.

Moving Delays and Logistics

Changing homes in the UK occasionally entails unforeseen delays and logistical hiccups. Factors such as narrow roads, congested traffic, and erratic weather conditions can exert an influence on your moving schedule. During these transient periods, self-storage proves its worth.

Self-storage facilities serve as a link between vacating your previous residence and settling into your new one. They offer a secure location for storing your possessions during these temporary lapses, offering adaptability and peace of mind. Additionally, selecting a self-storage facility in close proximity to your new home streamlines the process, ensuring your items are readily accessible when required.

Safety and Security

Safeguarding the well-being of your possessions during a home transition in the UK is of utmost importance. This concern can be amplified in densely populated areas where security apprehensions may be more pronounced. Self-storage facilities are well-prepared to tackle these concerns head-on.

Respected self-storage providers prioritise the security of your belongings. They typically furnish their facilities with robust security features, including advanced surveillance systems, gated access, and the presence of on-site personnel. These measures instil confidence, assuring you that your belongings are safeguarded during their tenure in storage.

Preservation of Valuables

During a home change, preserving valuable and sentimental items becomes a primary focus. The UK’s climate, characterised by humidity and temperature fluctuations, can pose challenges to the safekeeping of your possessions.

Self-storage offers a solution tailored to these requirements. Climate-controlled self-storage units create a stable environment that shields items vulnerable to weather-related damage. Be it cherished artwork, sensitive electronics, or vital documents, you can trust that they’ll remain in immaculate condition while residing in self-storage.

Meticulous packing and preservation techniques further underpin the security of your valuables. By adhering to these precautions while employing self-storage, you guarantee that your prized possessions emerge from their tenure unscathed.

Conclusion

In summary, changing homes in the UK is a multifaceted endeavour, one laden with unique challenges and considerations. Self-storage emerges as an invaluable asset, bespoke to the British context, offering eight compelling reasons to embrace this pragmatic solution. Whether you’re grappling with spatial constraints, temporary housing, downsizing, renovations, seasonal storage, or moving delays.

A North East regeneration specialist, which is delivering homes for people with specific housing needs, is also boosting local wildlife and biodiversity.

As part of an ongoing drive to make ecological considerations in the design of its projects, Vistry North East is implementing various habitat enhancements at a development of apartments for people over 55, in Penshaw, near Sunderland and at an Extra Care project, in Guisborough, North Yorkshire.

Part of the Vistry Group, Vistry North East enlisted ecological consultants, Ecosurv, to offer pre-construction advice, expertise and ongoing guidance throughout the builds. Operating under its ‘Habibat’ brand, Ecoserv has developed a range of habitat features tailored for bats, birds and bees, which can be seamlessly built into brickwork. Each product has been developed in conjunction with relevant advisory organisations, such as The Bat Conservation Trust and RSPB.

Impressed by this habitat feature range, Wienerberger bricks, a key partner in Vistry’s supply chain, has allocated dedicated factory space in their UK facility to manufacture these units for use on new developments.

Across the two developments, Vistry North East is installing eight bat boxes – including three specifically designed for bats during the breeding season; six swift nesting boxes, five sparrow nesting boxes; five bumble bee boxes and ten bee bricks – which provide a host of varying sized nesting spaces for solitary bees. In addition, six open fronted nest boxes – to be installed in retaining walls at the development in Guisborough – will provide additional spaces for insects to live and thrive, boosting biodiversity.

Andrew Mayfield, Senior Design Manager, Vistry North East said: “The loss of habitat for our native wildlife has been a huge driver in the continued decline of many species across the UK. Swifts were added to conservation experts’ red list of the UK’s most endangered birds in 2021 and eight species of bee – a third of the remaining species we have – are currently listed on conservation priority lists, due to their large-scale declines in distribution. These are just two worrying examples.

“However, by thinking imaginatively, working with experienced and knowledgeable partners and implementing design features that create habitat and promote biodiversity, new development can make a positive impact – providing new spaces for animals to live and thrive.

“Our planning and site teams have gone the extra mile on both developments to maximise the opportunities presented and we will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the natural environment in the communities in which we build.”

Graham Jeffery, Managing Director, Ecosurv said: “Wildlife is in a state of decline across the UK with 41% of species reducing in number since 1970. The modernisation of building materials with new designs in recent years has meant that species which previously adapted alongside the built environment, have quite often become excluded from newer buildings. Operating nationally, we have partnered with Wienerberger to combat this problem by producing a range of eco-habitat solutions for a wide range of species including birds (swifts, starlings, sparrows, robins, wrens and redstarts) bats and bees.

“We are delighted to be working with Vistry North East on a number of projects across the region and have been impressed by its progressive approach to the issue of habitat creation on its developments.”

Paul Hodgkinson, Director of Business Development, Wienerberger, Said: “The collaboration between Wienerberger and EcoSurv is testament to the connection between sustainable development and the preservation of biodiversity. By creating spaces that provide opportunities for wildlife we can help reduce species decline across the UK.

“In July last year, MPs debated a call for swift bricks to be made mandatory for new housing development due to declining numbers – following an e-petition which gained more than 100,000 signatures. Eco-habitats allow developers to integrate features such as swift bricks aligning not only with future legislative changes but setting precedents for ecologically responsible development.”

At Penshaw Gardens, just off Station Road in the village, Vistry North East is delivering a complex of 72 apartments for people over 55, in collaboration with Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo Group.

At Guisborough, just off Spring Wood Road, a 83 unit extra care facility, for people with specific housing needs, is currently being constructed for Housing 21, a national provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living for older people of modest means.

Vistry North East is part of Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed tenure homes. A young and dynamic business with a Partnerships-led approach – delivered through the Countryside Partnerships brand – the Group is delivering thousands of homes every year for the affordable and private marketplaces. The Group also encompasses a portfolio of retail brands, including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Countryside Homes.

Vistry North East is currently active on 15 construction sites around the North East region with a gross development value of just over £630 million and is working with six housing associations and seven local authorities.  

Jewson has announced the finalists in its first ever Making Better Homes Awards, recognising the champions in the industry who are working hard to create energy efficient, safe and comfortable homes.

After entries closed at the end of 2023, a panel of judges made up of industry specialists assessed all the nominations with the three highest scoring projects in each category making the shortlist.

Going through to the next round in the Best Building Fabric in a Project category are Draper Studio, SIP Build UK and Orka Construction. In the Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project category, Channel Electrical, Castlethorpe Homes and The Vegan Builder will face the national vote. Finally, competing for the title of Best Sustainable Project of the Year are A Corner of Eden, Greencore Homes and The Holt Group.

The public will now be able to vote online for their favourite shortlisted entrant in each category, with the winners announced at a ceremony later this year.

Sitting on the judging panel were Gavin Crane, CEO for Band of Builders, Nicola De Sousa, Central Director for the Federation of Master Builders, Matthew Handley, Category Innovation Manager at Jewson, and Chris Pearman, Regional Sales Manager at Build Aviator.

Matthew said: “It has been a privilege to judge the first ever Making Better Homes Awards – to say the judges were impressed with the entries is an understatement. Every single project entered demonstrated the steps tradespeople are taking to ensure their customers can enjoy energy efficient properties which will stand the test of time, while making recommendations which also go some way to protecting our planet.

“Judging at this stage of the competition was hard as there were some incredibly inspirational entries, but the public face the hardest step in choosing the winner from each category. It’s a tough one to call and I’m excited to see who the three winners will be.”

Nicola added: “The high calibre of entries to the Making Better Homes Awards is testament to the effort and dedication tradespeople are putting into upskilling themselves in the areas of sustainability and renewables, and proves that as an industry we are making great progress.

“Every entry we saw deserved a place in the shortlist, but the three projects moving onto the next stage in each category really shone and showed us something unique. I can’t wait to see who wins, because they have incredible futures ahead of them.”

Debbie Greaves, founder of The Corner of Eden, said of making the shortlist: “We entered this competition to show that it is possible to bring something amazing to life on a remote island and to overcome the many design, resourcing and logistical challenges along the way. Winning would feel like excellent recognition for our Harris Hideaway project, which we hope will bring so much pleasure to so many people in the future as it continues to blend modern, unique, sustainable design that sits seamlessly in its wild, ancient landscape.”

Chris Warner, Managing Director at Castlethorpe Homes, added: “We entered the awards to help shine a light on the need for more renewable energy being factored into brand new build homes and we feel our entry shows what can be done with great design and thought when building new homes. The use of more renewables in construction is vital if we are going to drive down running costs for the homeowners, especially in these difficult times, embracing the need to show exemplary ways of building but also have a long-term plan to have less impact on our planet.”

The public can now vote online for the winners of the three categories – Best Building Fabric in a Project, Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, and Best Sustainable Project of the Year.

Award-winning housebuilder Weston Homes is thrilled to announce that construction is underway at their new £150m (GDV) development Bracknell Beeches in Bracknell. Set to launch in Summer of 2024, this exciting development will offer a contemporary collection of 349 one and two-bedroom apartments, thoughtfully designed alongside 3,165 sq ft of flexible commercial space and communal outdoor areas.

Located on Old Bracknell Lane, the development comprises seven new buildings, ranging from four to 17 storeys in height, creating a dynamic and modern architectural landscape. The on-site amenities at Bracknell Beeches are designed to enhance the living experience and are set to include enticing retail opportunities, a play area, and inviting public open spaces.

All the elegant apartments at Bracknell Beeches will feature contemporary, open plan living areas, with the majority opening onto balconies or terraces. Contemporary kitchens by Oakwood Kitchens have quartz stone worktops and splashbacks, integrated appliances and instant boiling and cold filtered water tap; the luxurious bathrooms feature Arctic white suites and walk-in Fascino smart showers or bathtubs. Every home is equipped with superfast full-fibre broadband.

Positioned for ultimate convenience, Bracknell Beeches is located less than 100 meters from Bracknell train station, providing direct connections to London Waterloo. This strategic location seamlessly blends urban living with access to serene open countryside, providing residents with the best of both worlds.

Suzanne Aplin, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Weston Homes says: “We are pleased to announce that construction is underway at our exciting new development Bracknell Beeches which is set to launch this summer. Its close proximity to Bracknell Station and the town centre and range of onsite lifestyle amenities makes this a great choice for buyers searching for a modern, convenient lifestyle. We expect this high-quality development to set a new standard in the area and are delighted to be expanding our portfolio into Bracknell.”

For more information, interested parties should contact Weston Homes on 01279 873300 or register their interest by visiting https://www.weston-homes.com/bracknell-beeches/.