• Inspired Villages pledges to be Net Zero* by 2030, leading the UK and global IRC sector
• Next month it will open the UK’s first Net Zero Carbon (regulated energy) retirement community, forming the blueprint for a further 25 Net Zero Villages 
• The biological age of residents reduced by 8.8 years through wellbeing programmes

Inspired Villages, the leading UK later living developer and operator, launches its latest annual Impact Report detailing outputs in 2022 and its ambitious future commitments, as it strives to be completely Net Zero* by 2030.

With an evident climate crisis at hand and spiralling average temperatures, coupled with an ageing population that will see the number of people over 65 in the UK increase from 11.2 million today to almost 18 million by 2040, our social and economic mission is extremely powerful. Inspired Villages has set its own industry standard for social impact and wellbeing outputs, as well as environmental commitments, going the extra mile and leading the sector. 

Within the report its impact vision is outlined as creating a thriving, greener, healthier and better-connected society. It plans to do this by becoming a climate positive business and creating measurable social impact.

The business has made a pledge to be Net Zero and is due to open the UK’s first Net Zero Carbon (regulated energy) development, Millfield Green in Bedfordshire next month. The development will form the blueprint for a further 25 sustainable communities, through its joint venture with Legal & General Capital and NatWest Group Pension Fund.  Forming its ninth village, at Millfield Green 100% of the homes have been optimised using ground source heat pumps, solar panels, clean energy, electric car charging as well as using high-quality insulation, ventilation and high-performance triple-glazed windows, resulting in only using clean, REGO backed energy and becoming fossil fuel free. 

The business has also comprehensively appraised its eight existing villages to identify areas where energy consumption can be driven down and emissions can be reduced, while ensuring stability for residents in terms of energy efficiency. The company found that 4,412kg of carbon has been saved by installing new car charging points. It is now exploring further changes to reduce power requirements in other areas, as well as installing solar panels and battery storage.

Beyond this, Inspired Villages is also considering the effects of the climate on the portfolio, considering resilience to overheating, drought, storm events and high winds within the builds and retrofits. By 2030 Inspired Villages will be ‘nature positive’ which means restoring and enabling species and ecosystems to regenerate, rather than observing their decline.

As well as Inspired Villages’ trailblazing environmental credentials, the later living community operator is creating true, measurable impact when it comes to collectively improving the lives and health of those over 65 especially as the UK experiences a mass ageing population. 

Through its tailored fitness and wellbeing programming and facilities, Inspired Villages has been successful in reducing their residents biological age by an average of 8.8 years. This in turn, has a deeper impact on over 65s in surrounding communities and by reducing pressure and costs on the NHS through reduced fewer GP visits and faster discharge from hospital. Inspired Villages is showing its commitment, outside of bricks and mortar, to helping retain independence and health, setting the business apart from other IRC operators in the UK.

Although so much of Inspired’s model focuses on holistic wellbeing of its residents and ensuring they are socially connected, the company went one step further in 2020 by launching Inspired Friendships. This programme connects residents and over 65s in the local area, using a range events and activities to reduce loneliness across wider communities. In 2022 alone, the Inspired Friendships team made 500 phone calls, held four days out, 12 walks, 6 garden parties, carried out 25 home visits and so much more. The report includes stories of those benefiting from the programme and the team are exploring ways to increase its impact. Beyond physical connection, Inspired’s teams also support residents with one-to-one tech training to ensure they are further connected to their families and communities, tackling isolation and ensuring older generations are not left behind by rapid advancements in technology.

Jamie Bunce, Chief Executive Officer for Inspired Villages said: “Outlining our vision, goals and commitments within our Impact Report is an important step to holding ourselves accountable whilst driving change and setting a new standard in terms of sustainability for IRCs. 

“Our vision to become a climate positive business sees a range of commitments, including our villages being Net Zero Carbon in unregulated energy by 2030, as well as our scope 1 & 2 business emissions. We are making strides towards this with our ninth village, Millfield Green in Bedfordshire, which will open in October as our first Net Zero Carbon regulated scheme. This year we have also started the process of benchmarking our business scope 1 & 2 footprint, which will give us strategic direction for target setting in this area as we head into 2023. 

“Socially, our purpose revolves around people living the best years of their life, this includes ageing better and we have demonstrated the effectiveness of this across our communities, with hugely positive and impactful outcomes. The kind of early intervention and proactive approach to wellbeing that we promote within our village setting is great for residents and their families. But its impact is so much greater with benefits to the NHS and social care provision for older people, driving a reduction in GP, nurse and hospital visits and better health outcomes. This is the kind of transformative social impact the Integrated Retirement Community sector is uniquely placed to deliver and one I’m proud we’re leading on at Inspired.” 

James Willcox, Head of Sustainability at Inspired Villages, commented: “The planet is beginning to feel the effects of human impact on our climate. As a developer and operator of Integrated Retirement Communities for a potentially vulnerable age group, this is a threat to which we must respond seriously. 

“Our 2022-23 Impact Report begins the process of demonstrating our progress with transparency, outlining our achievements from the past 12 months and identifying where we will need to focus for the future. Key takeaways include a commitment that all new villages will be Net Zero Carbon (regulated energy) and our aspiration is for this pledge to include unregulated energy from 2025. We have also adopted a fabric first approach to our specification to ensure we first reduce overall energy demand before looking at means of renewable energy generation. 

​​”We want our residents to experience the best years of their lives in an Inspired Village, but we also recognise that we have a wider responsibility to play our part in developing local economies addressing place-based needs. As we grow from eight villages to 34, and beyond, we are pushing the boundaries of the sector further and faster in the direction of carbon positivity and measurable social impact.”

For more information on Inspired Villages or any themes from the 22/23 Impact Report, please contact inspiredvillages@wcommunications.co.uk.

*Inspired Villages has pledged to be Net Zero by 2030, in its scope 1 and 2 businesses operations.

SIP Build UK – celebrating 10 years of excellence

With increasing awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, there’s no doubt that recent years have seen changing trends in the UK construction industry.

Statistics show that over 20,000 people build their own home in the UK every year, around 12 per cent of all homes built in the UK today are self-built and it’s estimated self-builders spend around £2bn on the land and build costs.

Central to this trend are Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) – a quick, environmentally friendly and robust building technology that’s been tried and tested around the world.

SIPs use timber panels from sustainable sources with an insulating foam core. This gives a high strength to weight ratio allowing large sections buildings to be fitted at once – speeding up the time required on site.

The result is a building system that’s extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective. Building with SIPs saves time, money, and labour.

Leading the way in the supply of SIPs is SIP Build UK which is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary – having been set up in June 2012 by husband and wife team Chris and Julie Duckworth.

Chris explains: “We design, manufacture, supply and install SIP timber frame and light gauge steel systems; whilst also being able to supply several cladding type applications.

“Our in-house design and production facilities guarantee buildings are produced to the highest standards in the quickest time possible. Due to the high-quality control procedures we operate, we deliver SIP panels with a blend of guaranteed performance, competitive pricing, and unrivalled customer service.

“Many schools and public buildings are positively encouraging the use of SIPs and self-builders are realising the benefits of using this technology to provide sustainable, long-lasting energy efficient solutions for their buildings.”

He adds: We can assess the client’s needs and offer a solution that will match them, unlike many of our competitors who only offer one system.”

The past 10 years have witnessed continued growth in both sales and the size of the organisation. Key milestones include becoming a Kingspan TEK partner seven years ago, moving into the current factory six years ago and becoming part of the newly-structured SBUK Group which includes Frame build UK, Clad Build UK, and Met Build UK. The new group structure aims to enhance the product portfolio offered to customers.

This success has continued despite challenges.

Chris explains: “The Grenfell Tower disaster made the whole industry look long and hard at itself.

“Common sense has started to prevail, and standards are undoubtedly improving and whilst it’s obviously too late to stop the tragedy, good work is being done to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.  

“We no longer work at heights much above 11m partly through choice and partly through specification.

“SIPs provide an unbelievably versatile product and in the right place it’s hard to find a better solution.”  

Chris is acutely aware that to maintain its industry leading position, the company must continually review its systems and processes.

He explains: “The directors and senior management team are huge believers in investment and continual improvement.  Last year we built and successfully implemented a new process management software which allows us to track our projects from order to final completion and warranty.  

“Whilst it took many hours of sweat and tears, it’s one of the biggest advances the business has made in the last ten years and clients are really reaping the benefits.”  

He adds: “We constantly try to reduce waste throughout the factory – for example recycling timber offcuts and minimising traffic movements.”

Chris also realises the importance of supply chain relationships. “We work closely with a relatively small number of suppliers who help price in the early stages and then deliver a high-quality product throughout the process” he explains.  

“My ethos has always been to choose partners due to quality and service rather than price, and this continues across the business today.”

Key recent projects undertaken by SIP Build UK include involvement in the York St John University Creative Centre, adding two extensions to Harrogate’s Police Treatment Centre (PTC) to house an additional 20 patients, 4 counselling rooms, 1 surgery room, 6 therapy rooms and various new meeting rooms for staff; and creating light and modern SEN classrooms for St Edmunds Catholic Primary school. The one we can’t tell you about will feature on the television shortly!!

So, having enjoyed a decade of growth and success, what does the future hold for the business?

Chris concludes: “We’ve had a significant period of upheaval throughout the UK over the last 2 years. 

“As a business, we’ve had Director changes and implemented some amazing new systems, so we’re well set to deliver our customers’ needs in both the short term and longer term.

“We’ve got a definite growth plan – you’ll just have to watch this space!”

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Almost 70% of new build homebuyers now prioritise energy efficiency above anything else, with new build properties being favoured for the lower running costs and eco features fitted as standard. Brimming with sustainable technology to help protect the planet and reduce energy costs, Burrington Estates’ collection of luxurious eco-friendly homes at Maer View in Cornwall presents a rare opportunity to secure a stunning, eco-friendly home just moments from the beautiful Cornish coastline.

The recently unveiled show home at Maer View exemplifies Burrington Estates’ continued commitment to provide the highest quality homes, designed with sustainability in mind, and is now available for prospective buyers to view by appointment.

Located in Bude, with North Cornwall’s rugged coastline on the doorstep, Maer View offers a unique collection of 21 premium four bedroom detached homes, providing much needed housing to the area. Benefitting from both the unrivalled natural landscapes of Cornwall and an active community feel in Bude town centre, Maer View is ideally located for those looking to enjoy untouched landscapes whilst remaining well-connected to a range of nearby amenities.

The Lapwing is the stunning new four bedroom show home at the development, which perfectly illustrates the premium feel of the new properties available at Maer View. With a beautiful gable-roof exterior, this home exudes sophistication inside and out. As with all homes on site, this home benefits from a range of sustainability boosting features that allows residents to live a greener lifestyle.

Air source heat pumps providing underfloor heating will feature in every property, in addition to wildlife friendly bee bricks, with the option for PV solar panels and electric car charging points to be added to each home.  Every home at Maer View also benefits from a private garden and garage for comfort and convenience.

Upon entrance to The Lapwing, residents will appreciate a spacious hallway leading on to an expansive open plan kitchen, dining and snug area. This vast room commands attention from every angle and is drenched in natural light through both bi-fold and French doors, making the room the perfect space for hosting friends and family. With a separate living area and office space to the ground floor, residents of the Lapwing will have an abundance of space for both work and relaxation.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom radiates refinement, and is complete with dual integrated wardrobes and an ensuite shower room. Bedroom two also benefits from an ensuite bathroom ideal for guests, and two further bedrooms complete the collection, along with a large family bathroom. 

Surrounded by leafy greenery of the Cornish landscape, Maer View has been meticulously designed to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings, whilst creating its own unique sense of place. A perfect destination for families, the charming town of Bude features an array of cafes, restaurants and sports facilities, as well as an excellent selection of primary and secondary schools. Maer View is conveniently located on Poughill Road to the eastern edge of Bude, close to the A39 for easy road connections.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Located on the former site of an 18th-century military barracks, St Arthur Homes has acquired a new collection of one and two-bedroom homes for Shared Ownership at TopHat’s Kitchener Barracks development in Chatham, Kent. Comprising 32 apartments, St. Arthur Homes is set to deliver a selection of high-quality, sustainable homes by early 2023.

With the 300-year-old Napoleonic Fortress, Fort Amherst, located at the entrance to the gated development, the site blends its historic military heritage with contemporary modular homes. Surrounded by 70 hectares of green space at Great Line Heritage Park and with some apartments overlooking the meandering River Medway, Kitchener Barracks benefits from a picturesque location. Just a 5-minute cycle away, Chatham rail station brings offers services to London St Pancras in as little as 38 minutes, ideal for commuters. Alternatively, parking spaces at the development alongside a car club, provide further options for prospective buyers.

TopHat is a leading 3D modular housebuilder which has recently announced it is building Europe’s largest homebuilding factory. The Kitchener Barracks apartments are being manufactured in TopHat’s existing factory at Foston in Derby where robotics and lean manufacturing techniques are used to increase housing supply, improve quality, reduce costs and protect the environment.

Jorden Rosenhaus, CEO of Tophat said: “We are delighted to see our Kitchener Barracks on the brink of becoming homes through their sale to affordable housing provider St Arthur. 3D modular homes represent a future where homes are ever better quality, affordable, beautifully designed and both green to build and to live in.”

St Arthur Homes is a registered provider of affordable housing, committed to delivering high quality shared ownership homes. Working with a range of partners, St Arthur Homes acquires housing across London and the South of England, with plans to expand throughout The Midlands region. The deal with TopHat is the latest in a series of partnership deals as St Arthur Homes strives to deliver at least 2,000 homes by 2026.

Chief Executive Officer for St Arthur Homes comments: “We are delighted to have secured a range of properties at Kitchener Barracks. Working alongside TopHat, our Shared Ownership homes will provide a unique opportunity for buyers to get onto the property ladder at a site embedded with a strong historic legacy. We are proud to play a role in providing high quality affordable housing that will benefit the local Medway community.”

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Exeter based Burrington Estates has secured planning permission for a collection of 34 sustainable three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, and four affordable two- and three-bedroom homes at their flagship development at Winslade Park in Exeter, Devon. This vibrant multi-use site currently hosts both commercial office space as well as state of the art leisure facilities.

The 86-acre site has received £28 million of funding from Paragon Development Finance and is already a buzzing hub of activity with premium sports and leisure facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, spa, creche and beauty salon. The new collection of homes at Winslade Park is set to enrich the development further and increase the site’s connection with the local community. Consistent with Burrington Estates’ determination to enhance the wonderful parkland setting, this new community of homes will take into account the environment of the surrounding areas and provide the perfect balance between sustainability and cutting-edge contemporary design.

Mark Edworthy, Managing Director of Burrington Estates, comments: “We are delighted to be introducing this new residential phase to our gorgeous Winslade Park development. The sustainable homes will provide much needed housing in the area, and are the perfect addition to the site, which already provides the ultimate in leisure opportunities and commercial space. We aim to set new standards in design and quality delivering a wonderful quality of life to our customers.”

Sustainability will be a key feature of the new residential properties at Winslade Park, which will demonstrate the continuation of Burrington Estates’ ongoing endeavour to build high-quality and eco-friendly residences. The new homes will feature air source heat pumps and solar PV as standard, plus the inclusion of electric car charging points, bee bricks, bat boxes and bird boxes interspersed throughout the development.

Residents will benefit from an unparalleled lifestyle at Winslade Park on account of its stunning location and unrivalled facilities. With top quality provision for wellness and lifestyle at the heart of the development, residents will benefit from easy access to everything from fitness to childcare, baristas to business clubs.  There is also access to the restaurant and bar at Winslade Manor, hosted by Matt Mason, a leading chef in the south-west. Located conveniently just outside of Exeter city centre, Winslade Park is an intrinsic part of an increasingly blossoming community. The development is less than a mile east of Junction 30 of the M5 motorway on the A376 Exmouth Road, providing excellent travel connections for residents and commuters.

Burrington Estates welcomes those interested in the Winslade Park development to attend a launch event for the new residential phase at The Forge, Winslade Park, from 5-9pm on Thursday 8^th September 2022.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News 

Renowned South-West developer Burrington Estates has continued its impressive recent construction programme by starting on-site at its latest Maer View development in Bude, North Cornwall. The team at Burrington Estates has been highly active in recent years, responding both to heightened buyer interest in the South West and demand for the company’s particular brand of homes that are both design-led and place sustainability at the forefront. Recent successes in the local area have included The Heaths in Illogan, Harbour Reach in Fowey, and Penrose View in Truro.

Maer View is a prime example of Burrington Estates’ sustainable approach, boasting a variety of forward-thinking features. These include air source heat pumps to all homes and wildlife-friendly bee-bricks throughout the development. Solar panels are also included on selected plots and available as an optional upgrade on other units, while electronic car charging points can also be added to each home. The site features a range of 21 attractive four-bedroom detached homes situated along the sought-after Cornish coastline, each with a private garden and garage.

“As a forward-thinking developer we have always looked to deliver developments that are built for the future and have as little impact on the local environment as possible. Home-buyers have been moving to Cornwall and the wider South West in record numbers in recent years, not least for the area’s outstanding beauty and variety of natural scenery. We take our responsibility to protect that natural environment very seriously whilst delivering much-needed high-quality housing to the local area. At Maer View we are continuing this approach and are delighted to have started on site to deliver an incredible collection of new homes on the North Cornwall coast,” said Mark Edworthy, founder of Burrington Estates.

As well as carefully considering its environmental impact, Burrington Estates also takes an active role in the community in the locations in which it operates. At Maer View, the company will be contributing over £100,000 to local community projects, including a contribution of £57,000 towards improvements at Bude School, and £51,000 for upgrades to local footpaths and cycle paths. The development itself features community-focused features including a central green space where neighbours can come together, and an informal public open space with orchard planting. Overall, Maer View has been carefully designed to complement its surroundings and blend with the Cornish countryside and nearby coastline.

“At Maer View our consideration of the natural environment and the attention to communal areas are great examples of what have made our developments so successful with home-buyers, and already we are seeing huge early interest in this project. We find that many of our purchasers are seeking not only a well-designed home, but a place to live that is in harmony with the local community and environment,” added Edworthy.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

The team at Andrew Henry Interiors has showcased their innovative approach, creating a phenomenal, sustainable show home. The ambitious project at Newland Homes’ new zero carbon development in Tickenham highlights how designers can curate incredible spaces which promote environmental awareness. Enriched with clever designs and a host of eco-friendly credentials in each room which highlight the challenges our environment faces, the stunning show home marks the design teams first eco-friendly project and promotes the joy that can be found from upcycling and using sustainably sourced products.

Creating a unique and beautiful home, Andrew Henry Interiors dedicated time and care into the project incorporating upcycled pieces, sustainable materials and ethically sourced furnishings. Lead Designer on the project, Lucy Thorn, comments: “This project was revolutionary, not only for our team but also the wider industry to demonstrate that show homes can be both sustainable and stylish. This is a subject I am passionate about so I was thrilled to head this project and apply my knowledge of sustainability, whilst developing the Andrew Henry Interiors offering. We all need to play a part in preserving the environment and the design industry can play a key role in its protection.”

Lounge

The team at Andrew Henry Interiors chose neutral shades for the majority of the home, creating a clean, sleek feel, introducing lined wallpaper to the spacious lounge for extra depth. Lucy comments: “Each furnishing item throughout the home has been researched and certified to ensure they feature green credentials. In the lounge, we added stunning light-grey sofas created from a textile called Rolefin which is produced through a zero-water consumption process, can be recycled up to seven times, contains no harmful chemicals and has an incredibly low carbon-footprint.”

The lounge also features furniture formed from Mango tree wood, which is collected once the plant has stopped producing fruit. The rustic and teal cushions and additional soft furnishings are handmade from recycled plastic yarn and the rug has been produced using jute which is made from the jute vegetable plant. Showcasing her depth of knowledge, Lucy explains: “Jute is completely biodegradable. The plant grows quickly and without the use of pesticides or fertilisers, this material is renewable and sustainable.”

Lucy continues: “We felt it was important to have a good balance between products made from sustainable sources and furnishings from second-hand sources to show the varying ways people can be more eco-friendly. The sideboard and bookshelf were sourced from local reclamation yards and upcycled to create beautiful stand-out pieces. A luxury burgundy armchair was sourced from Facebook marketplace, unifying the look and providing a cosy reading corner.”

Two round mirrors in the lounge are from a UK-based ethical company whilst the remaining styling items are either second-hand or produced using recycled material such as recycled glass. The second-hand artwork includes a large, gold framed picture of a misty landscape bought in a charity shop. Lucy adds: “This unique feature is actually a photo taken by a local lady who wanted to share the enjoyment she’d experienced from the piece.”

Kitchen/Dining Room

The design team were really focused on demonstrating the authenticity and care that shaped the styling in the kitchen/dining room. Inventive details including cruelty free and vegan food products, recycled glass jars and a matching jug from a reclamation yard in Glastonbury are dotted around this space. Lucy adds: “The hero of the dining area is the desk, which was assembled inhouse by our team and is made up of an old door from Glastonbury Reclamation and some second-hand trestle legs.”

The dining chairs and desk chair were produced and sourced by UK based ethical companies, along with the shoe bench which has been dyed with a water-based solution making it nontoxic to the environment.

Lucy comments: “This room is exceptionally bright and airy and we wanted to harness this fresh feel throughout the room. We equalised the room with wooden elements such as the beautiful table and matching bench, which were purchased from a company who plants four trees for each one cut down.”

Bedroom One

The design team created subtle themes in each bedroom to show different elements of the climate crisis. The principal-bedroom showcases sustainable luxury, featuring an exquisite rustic-coloured headboard made from recycled polyester and yarn. Cushions and the window treatment are also created from recycled fabrics, whilst the artwork and the full-length wooden-framed mirror are second hand from charity shops and reclamation yards. Providing continuity, two wooden bedside drawer units and the shelf above the bed are made from sustainable wood. The bed linen is organic and the lamps and light features are all from ethical UK based companies.

Bedroom Two

This room features a bespoke statement wall made up of a dramatic dark backdrop with contrasting pink and navy flowers, complemented with a multitude of wooden furniture. Two bedside units and a stunning double wardrobe made from sustainable sources create optimum storage as well as balancing the colour hues of the statement wall. The on-trend wooden chair was sourced from Facebook marketplace and updated with a fresh coat of paint in a serene grey shade.  As with bedroom one, the bed linen is organic, the furnishings sustainable and the artwork and mirrors from reclamation yards.

Bedroom Three

The third bedroom design focuses on our oceans and is based on Lucy’s personal experience and insight.  She explains.  “I’m a diver myself and have dived all over the world, but sadly the evidence of destructive human impact on the sea is clear. I’ve encountered plastic waste on every excursion I’ve been on”.

Inspired by the fight against plastic pollution, the headboard fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles whilst the bed linen is organic and the cushion fabrics are produced using recycled polyester. To enhance the story telling in this room, diving accessories, bought second-hand from eBay, have been placed around the room and paintings of coral and a green-blue wall behind the headboard all tie the design together. Lucy comments: “We thought it was important to explain the thoughts behind this room so included information on a pinboard regarding the devastating effects that human behaviour has had on the oceans.”

Bedroom Four

Hedgehog highways have been introduced around this Newland Homes’ development and bedroom four highlights this specific cause. With recycled polyester fabrics throughout, organic bed linen and a Jute sustainable rug, this room promotes the protection of our wildlife. With scatterings of grey, white and pink throughout, the room is a welcoming haven full of hedgehog-themed accessories.  The furniture, such as the drawer unit and bedside table have been carefully selected from a company which has won awards for reducing their carbon footprint.

Wallpaper

The wallpaper and paints used throughout the home were sourced from Little Greene, a company which uniquely offer a sustainable paint alternative. Lucy explains: “Little Greene’s wallpaper comes from FSC or PEFC certified sustainable forests whereby for every tree that is used, a further four are planted. The pigments within the paper are non-toxic and the wallpaper paste contains no solvent. The water-based paint has the industry’s lowest eco-rating, contributing no solvent to the atmosphere nor homeowners’ respiratory systems and in addition, they are virtually odourless. For the oil-based paints, Little Greene has reformulated the elements to use vegetable oil, a sustainable alternative which does not compromise on the longevity or quality of the paint.”

Chris Parker, Marketing Manager at Newland Homes comments: “Andrew Henry Interiors has created a unique design at Ryves Vale.  Incorporating the environmental issues we face and connecting the design with nature has added an incredible USP to our show home. We were bowled over by the care and attention to detail the design team demonstrated on this project and the end result is testament to their considered approach.  They’ve shown that sustainable interior design does not mean a compromise in style or elegance. This show home delivers outstanding comfort and effective and poignant story telling, creating a unique experience for potential buyers.”

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Bellway has completed the purchase of land from Homes England in Milton Keynes, where it will adopt new building technology for the first time in the UK, speeding up the build process at Tattenhoe Park development.

Bellway will build 160 homes using Modern Methods of Construction on the 9.2-acre parcel of land at Tattenhoe Park. This will include 40 modular homes and 120 homes built using timber frame panels.

The housebuilder was selected to develop the site at Tattenhoe Park as part of a Homes England pilot project to speed up the delivery of new homes.

The build programme will be completed within two years of work starting.

Paul Smits, Managing Director of Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “Bellway is committed to exploring innovative ways of delivering new homes more quickly and more sustainably. Tattenhoe Park is therefore a key project for the company, and for the community in Milton Keynes.

“Using Modern Methods of Construction will offer benefits beyond speeding up construction. The modular homes, which are built off-site, and the timber frame panels, which replace traditional breeze blocks, are produced in a controlled factory environment. This ensures consistent quality and removes any negative impact from weather conditions.

“Both methods improve energy efficiency by creating a more airtight home, and timber is a more sustainable material than brick. The modern processes also reduce the amount of waste produced in the build process.

“We have worked with Homes England and with our partners to ensure we can build these homes to the highest standards, for which Bellway is known as a HBF Five Star Builder.

“The end result will be a new community which looks comparable with Bellway’s other developments in the area, while delivering these additional benefits to the customer, the community and the environment.”

The project is one of a series being led by Homes England with the ambition of delivering 1,800 new homes across the country using a variety of modern construction methods.

Bellway’s 160 homes will form phase four of the wider Tattenhoe Park development.

Bellway will partner with ilke Homes to deliver the 40 modular homes. Stewart Milne Timber Systems will supply the timber frame panels for the remaining 120 homes.

The homes at Bellway’s Tattenhoe Park development will be a range of one and two-bedroom apartments, one and two-bedroom maisonettes and two to four-bedroom houses. The 48 affordable homes will be divided between rental and shared ownership, and there will be a selection of wheelchair accessible properties.

Bellway secured planning consent for the development at the end of 2021 and expects to start work on site by the summer.

Bellway’s Northern Home Counties division is based in Milton Keynes. The division is already building homes at Wavendon View and Wavendon Chase on the outskirts of Wavendon, and is set to launch a new development at Whitehouse Park in Milton Keynes later this year.

Plans to build 50 new homes in the much sought-after village of Finchingfield, to the northwest of Braintree, have received unanimous approval from local planning officers. Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has gained consent to build a collection of attractive, energy-efficient homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family houses. The detailed plans, which include 40% affordable homes, were approved by Braintree Council Planning Committee on 8th March 2022.

The new homes have been sensitively designed to complement the picturesque and historic character of Finchingfield. Through consultation with Finchingfield and Great Bardfield Parish Councils, Braintree District Council, local residents, and key stakeholders, the homes have been designed in a traditional, regional architectural style resulting in an attractive, high-quality development that exceeds standards for both green space and carbon reduction.

Each home will be fitted with sustainable air-source heat pump technology and electric car charging points, reducing the development’s overall carbon footprint.The approved plans include scenic landscaping and ample green space to improve resident health and wellbeing, as well as blending with the stunning local landscape of North Essex. Features include a central green providing amenity space for all, a circular walkway, a landscaped attenuation pond and a well-planted, landscaped border that provides an aesthetically-pleasing boundary to the development. Over 130 new trees will be planted and, together with a variety of new flora, will increase wildlife habitat, resulting in a 26% gain in biodiversity. New paths will connect with the existing footpath network placing the village centre within five minutes walking distance.

“Through collaborative consultation with residents, the parish and district councils, we are delighted to receive consent and excited to be delivering much-needed homes in this popular location. We specialise in creating bespoke, beautiful developments, and I’m proud that our designs have captured the character of this stunning village. We have taken a landscape-led approach, incorporating plenty of green open space, making this an attractive new community where people will enjoy living and spending time,” said Andy Hill, Group Chief Executive of Hill.

The development offers a variety of homes ranging from one to five-bedroom detached homes meeting the needs of a broad range of homebuyers. The approved designs are tenure-blind, guaranteeing a mix of high-quality private sale, shared ownership, and affordable rent homes. Hill will also contribute over £50,000 for new outdoor sports facilities at Finchingfield Playing Fields, which adjoins the development, and a £10,000 contribution to Freshwell Health Centre in the village.

Work is anticipated to start on-site in the summer of 2022.

Plans to build 160 new sustainable homes in Croxley Green near Rickmansworth have been given the green light. Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has won its appeal to develop this previously allocated site adjacent to Killingdown Farm – a 7.5 hectare site on Little Green Lane – to create an attractive new neighbourhood extension to the village of Croxley Green. Work on site is anticipated to begin in July 2022.

“We are delighted to have been granted consent to develop 160 high-quality new homes in Croxley Green, helping to address the acute shortage of homes in the area. We are committed to building an outstanding community of well-designed, energy-efficient new homes, incorporating sustainable technology such as air-source heat pumps, which help to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Our plans also include biodiversity enhancements such as extensive new planting and habitat creation, resulting in a 10% gain in biodiversity across the development,” commented Andy Hill, Group Chief Executive of Hill.

Providing a wide range of homes from apartments to five-bedroom detached houses traditionally designed to blend in with the local architecture, the development will include green open spaces, a play area and footpaths. Sustainable drainage solutions will include swales and ecological enhancements, including the planting of over 170 trees, new hedgerows, bat and bird boxes and other measures to support local wildlife, representing a biodiversity net gain of 10%.

In its report to uphold the appeal, government planning inspector Matthew Nunn stated: “In terms of public benefits, the scheme would secure a premium modern housing development for which there is a clear need, in a sustainable location. The proposal would provide much needed private and affordable housing for local people. A total of 160 dwellings are proposed, of which 72 would be affordable. Such provision would be a very weighty benefit for the area where increasing the supply of market and affordable homes is an urgent and pressing issue.”

As a top 15 housebuilder with a strong track record of successful developments across London, the South East and the Home Counties, Hill prides itself on creating outstanding places that will stand the test of time. Hill takes a long-term view in its approach to development, taking into consideration all elements that contribute towards making a successful community, from landscaped communal areas promoting the health and wellbeing of its residents to providing essential community facilities alongside striking architecture and design. Hill’s plans for Croxley Green will not only increase the supply of market and affordable homes where there is a pressing need but also create an attractive new place to live with its own distinct sense of place.