The first homes at The Gables, in the market town of Attleborough, just south west of Norwich, have been launched for those looking to get onto the property ladder. Available with shared ownership by Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, two-bedroom coach houses at the new development cost £86,000 for a 40% share of the home, meaning buyers need a deposit of just £4,400. Given the average deposit paid by a first-time buyer in East England in 2023 is £72,000, according to Zoopla, The Gables provides an outstanding opportunity to take a step onto the property ladder without the need for such an eye-watering sum.

With a selection of three and four bedroom terrace and semi-detached houses, along with the unique coach house style homes, the exceptional quality of the properties being built at The Gables is now available to view. The exteriors reflect the traditional architectural character of the area, while the interiors deliver contemporary, open plan kitchen and living spaces. Moving upstairs, a double bedroom with ensuite, a single second bedroom, family bathroom and plentiful storage complete the home. Designed in line with first-time buyers’ preferences for a house rather than an apartment, the homes will form part of a new community.

The stunning houses deliver not only in visual and quality terms but also on the sustainability front.  Showcasing extensive green space, playing fields, and ponds, The Gables successfully balances contemporary style with rural charm, blending seamlessly alongside Attleborough’s local vernacular. All homes include a number of energy efficient attributes and internal finishes that exceed a standard specification. All properties are completely ‘gas free’, with energy efficient appliances and air-source heat pumps installed, which could reduce residents’ carbon footprint and energy costs. High levels of insulation and heat-saving glazing keep homes warm as well as cheaper to run^[3]. Cycle and pedestrian routes meander through this scenic development, and the abundant green space features play areas to encourage children to enjoy time outdoors.

In addition to the stylish coach houses, Latimer will also be unveiling further two, three and four- bedroom homes in this peaceful location.  Each of the properties feature high-specification fixtures and fittings, from soft-close cupboards, integrated appliances and Amtico flooring in kitchens to bathrooms with porcelain floor tiles, full height tiling around the bath and contemporary white sanitaryware. A mix of pendant lights and downlights create ambiance in every room, while underfloor heating keeps toes warm on even the coldest of winter days.

Hannah Smart, Acting Sales Director at Latimer, comments: “The quality of the homes at The Gables is exceptional. They highlight the fact that shared ownership doesn’t mean making compromises when you buy with Latimer. The care that has gone into creating them really shines through in every detail. We are delighted to be making such superb houses available to first-time buyers who are keen to get onto that all-important first rung of the property ladder.”

The Gables’ location enables residents to easily walk into Attleborough, where historic buildings surround the central green. The town has all the shops, restaurants, cafes and services needed for everyday life, plus a bustling weekly market and fortnightly Makers’ Market offering artisan foods and crafts. There are ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated schools and a vast array of options for spending time in nature in the local area, from open countryside and rivers to the rich greenery of Thetford Forest. The entire Norfolk coastline can also be reached in around an hour by car, from the bright lights of the funfair at Great Yarmouth to quiet serenity and seal-watching opportunities at Cromer and Blakeney.

Attleborough is also well located for city life, with Norwich and Cambridge reachable by train in 21 and 57-minutes respectively (Attleborough station is just a mile from The Gables). Drivers, meanwhile, can use the A11 to reach Norwich or head in the opposite direction until they reach the M11 for travel to Stansted Airport and London.

Prices for a three bedroom house at The Gables start from £109,000 for a 40% share with a full market value of £272,500. There is one four bedroom house available for £124,250 for a 35% share with a full market value of £355,000.

A new report ranks local authorities in England based on their average house price this year – 4 out of the top 5 cheapest places to buy a house are within the Lancashire area.

With constant inflation rises, the opportunity for first time buyers to get a mortgage offer that is affordable and reasonable very difficult. This is leaving people either not moving out at all or paying to rent a place instead.

Due to this significant increase, BLG Development Finance and Online Marketing Surgery have created their House Price Report, ranking areas in the UK based on their average house price for the year. This determines the best and worst areas to buy a property.

Key Findings:

 Burnley, a town in Lancashire, is the cheapest local authority in England to buy a house with an average house price of £109,939.

 The area with the highest average house prices is Kensington and Chelsea in Middlesex at a huge £1,332,891.

 County Durham was the best county to buy a house in 2023, with the ceremonial county having an average total house price of £126,611.

 Surrey, in the South East of England, is the most expensive county for a house with their average house price being £519,980.

 The average house price for the whole of the United Kingdom is 304,312. This is an increase from 2022, with the average price being £302,083.

Top 5 cheapest areas to buy a house

1. Burnley – £109,939

The town in Lancashire is the best area to buy a house, with Burnley having the cheapest average house price this year at £109,939. This amount is more than £10,000 cheaper than the second placed local authority on the list. Despite inflation rises in 2023, this is a reduction compared to last years house price average of £113,333.

2. Hyndburn – £123,445

Another area in the county Lancashire makes the list, with the town of Hyndburn having an average house price of £123,445. This is a decrease from the £125,862 house price average throughout the year 2022.

3. County Durham – £125,862

The third cheapest area to buy a house is in the ceremonial county of County Durham, with an average price of £125,862. This is the only area that is outside of Lancashire in the top five. Compared to last year, this is a slight increase to the £125,215 average house price in 2022.

4. Pendle – £131,929

Pendle, local government district in Lancashire, is one of the cheapest areas in England to buy a house with an average price of £131,929. Due to the constant rise in house prices, this average is an increase to last year’s £129,914 figure.

5. Blackpool – £132,675

Blackpool rounds out the top 5 cheapest house price list, with the seaside resort in Lancashire having an average price of £132,675. This is a reduction to last year’s house price average of £133,515.

Top 20 areas with the cheapest average house prices

Top 20 areas with the highest average house prices

Methodology:

Sourced the data from the House Price Index from the Office for National Statistics, which shown the average house price in each area of the UK for every month of the year.

From this, we went through every local authority and worked out the average house price for the year. We done this by taking individual figures for all the months and divided it by the amount of months they are in a year. We used the same process when looking at the county and country data.

Also, we looked at past years data and used the same process to find the average house price to compare with the recent year’s figures.

After getting all the averages, this is when we started to rank all the areas based on their house prices.

Hyde New Homes has helped single parent Leanne Frostick achieve her dream of getting onto the property ladder through shared ownership, which was offered at Spring Acres www.hydenewhomes.co.uk/spring-acres a beautiful collection of homes in a stunning countryside setting in Kent.

Hard-working mum, Leanne moved into Hyde New Homes’ Spring Acres development in June and she still can’t believe it.

“It’s the kind of security and peace of mind I’ve been searching for. I’ve worked so hard to get here and just couldn’t be happier.” Leanne said.

Leanne moved in with her son, Rocco aged 9. Rocco was diagnosed with autism when he was just five. For him, having stability, routine and a little space helps manage his autism.

“I wanted to find somewhere that had a more countryside feel so my little boy can really have some space, it’s also close to both a mainstream and Special Educational Needs School which is amazing.

“Rocco’s autism is mostly to do with social interactions so giving him some room is essential.” Leanne said.

Spring Acres offers that tranquil sense of space within its range of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes.

It was a 4 bed Leanne really wanted to go for- with its clever design, beautiful garden and thoughtful extra features like the option for a larger oven- it was the clear choice.

“It really is the stuff of dreams isn’t it? My own 4 bed, with a garden! I actually never thought I’d get the 4 bed. It all seemed too good to be true.

“It was boxing day and I saw a marketing email come out from the Hyde New Home team. I clicked on it straight away and there was the stunning Spring Acres development. It was the best Christmas present!

Leanne[MD1] [FP2]  has bought her home through  shared ownership, Leanne said: 

“At first I wasn’t sure about shared ownership, but I feel I was taken through everything step by step by the fantastic team at Hyde New Homes and what seemed quite daunting at first was actually quite simple and straightforward.

“Its really worked for me.”

Spring Acres is surrounded by excellent transport connections and good schools- with The Sittingbourne School and Meadowfield[CD3] [FP4] [CD5] [FP6] , a special education school which has an Outstanding Ofsted rating are both within walking distance. Highsted Grammar School another Outstanding Ofsted rated school is also nearby- adding to the desirability of the area. It’s the ideal choice for professionals, couples, and families alike.

Leanne has seen that quality first hand, she said: “I’ve been blown away by the high standard of everything to do with the house. I just know I’m going to be here for many happy years.”

Prices start from £144,000 for a 45% share for a 2 bed house based on a full market price of £320,000, with a deposit of £14,400 For a 3 bed house prices start from £162,000 for a 40% share based on a full market price of £405,000, with a deposit of £16,200 and for a 4 bed house prices start from £107,000 for a 25% share based on a full market price of £428,000 with a deposit of £10,700.

Each home at Spring Acres has been built to a high specification as standard, featuring contemporary kitchens and integrated appliances, turfed gardens, parking, cycle storage, and quality flooring included at no additional cost. Additionally, an experienced sales team is available throughout the entire buying journey.

Minnie Dando, Head of Marketing and Communications at Hyde New Homes, said: “At Hyde New Homes, we firmly believe creating the perfect environment for everyone. Spring Acres with its countryside feel gives that feeling of space, yet it’s also so close to great transport links as well as local amenities and schools. We’re so pleased Leanne’s been able to find her forever home with us.”

Customers are encouraged to book their exclusive appointment to visit the marketing suite and view the show home and find out more how they could get moving to Spring Acres through shared ownership[FP7] . For more information, please visit http://www.hydenewhomes.co.uk or call 0808 156 7770.

As we step into the year 2024, several significant trends and developments are set to shape the real estate landscape. Black Norman, a solicitors firm based in Crosby, have written a list of all things prospective 2024 home owners  should take into account when purchasing their next property for own use or rental.

Energy Efficiency 

Energy efficiency has emerged as a concern for both homebuyers and investors. The impending changes in regulations, scheduled for 2025, will require new tenancies to meet a minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of C, a significant increase from the current E rating.

The average EPC rating for properties in England and Wales currently stands at D, signalling a need for improvement to meet the upcoming standards. Investors, in particular, are keen on finding properties with EPC ratings of C or higher to ensure compliance with the new regulations. This proactive approach is driven by a desire to avoid penalties and maintain attractive properties for prospective tenants.

Market Stability

While the housing market has faced its share of ups and downs in recent years, there is a general consensus that a major crash is unlikely to occur anytime soon. Economic indicators and expert opinions suggest a degree of resilience in the housing market, even as it navigates through changes and uncertainties.

Renters Reform Bill Concerns

One notable concern in the UK real estate sector is the impending renters reform bill. Landlords, in particular, have expressed pessimism about the potential implications of this legislation. The bill is expected to bring about significant changes in the relationship between landlords and tenants, including rent controls, increased tenant rights, and measures to prevent unfair evictions.

Remote Work’s Impact on Property Preferences

The remote work revolution that began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how people view their living spaces. As remote work becomes a permanent fixture in many industries, property preferences are evolving. In 2024, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on home office spaces, reliable high-speed internet access, and proximity to green spaces. Suburban and rural areas may see increased demand as people seek a better work-life balance, and property seekers may prioritise homes with flexible workspaces and a focus on well-being.

Co-Living and Shared Housing Models

Co-living and shared housing arrangements have become popular, especially among young professionals and urban dwellers. These models provide affordable housing solutions and foster a sense of community. In 2024, we anticipate continued growth in co-living arrangements as they offer an attractive alternative to traditional renting and homeownership. Real estate investors and property developers who embrace this trend may find opportunities for creating unique housing options that cater to the needs and preferences of this evolving demographic.

Cryptocurrency in Real Estate Transactions

Cryptocurrency is making its mark in the real estate sector. In 2024, we can expect an increasing number of property transactions involving cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This digital currency adoption offers benefits such as reduced transaction costs, increased security, and the potential for international buyers to invest in properties across borders. Real estate professionals and investors are adapting to this digital shift, and it is becoming a significant trend to watch.

Regional Property Markets

As major urban centres continue to face high property prices and congestion, smaller cities and regional property markets are gaining attention. In 2024, property seekers, particularly first-time buyers and investors, may explore opportunities outside of major metropolises. These areas often offer more affordable housing options, improved quality of life, and potential for property value growth as infrastructure and job opportunities expand. This shift may also foster increased interest in remote working and flexible lifestyles.

A thrifty couple from Gateshead, Jess and Connor, both 29 years old, managed to save a whopping £13,000 by taking on the challenge of renovating their kitchen themselves, relying on DIY tips and tricks they found on social media.

Originally, the couple received quotes of around £15,000 to have their kitchen professionally redone. However, they decided to opt for a more cost-effective approach.

Turning to platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest for inspiration and guidance, Jess and Connor embarked on the renovation journey themselves. The result is a transformed kitchen that cost them just over £1,500, including the purchase of some new appliances.

Jess explained their decision: “We weren’t planning on doing the kitchen ourselves originally. After getting quotes for three or four different places, all around the £15,000 mark, we decided that we couldn’t justify those costs for such a small space, and decided we’d have a go at doing it ourselves.”

The couple’s old kitchen featured uninspiring white cabinetry, grey tiled flooring, and slightly dated silver hardware. Their DIY makeover included fitting a second-hand Smeg fridge for £430, installing worktops from IKEA, laying a new solid oak floor from B&Q, and incorporating a black sink from IKEA.

They also gave their cupboards a fresh look by painting them in a stylish forest green and refreshed the tiles using antique white tile paint. Completing the transformation, they added gold hardware, including a Wodar boiling water tap, to complement the green cupboards.

Jess highlighted the most impactful changes: “I think the kitchen as a whole has transformed massively, but I would say the things that have made the most difference were actually the cheapest things to do. Painting both the kitchen tiles and cupboards has completely changed the look of this space.”

Her top tips for aspiring DIY renovators are to have a clear vision of what you want from your space and to invest time in prep work, even though it can be time-consuming, as it significantly improves the final finish and durability of the renovations.

Describing their style, Jess said, “[It’s] a real mix of things. We take a lot of inspiration from 70’s earthy colour palettes and love natural materials such as wood. We like to mix these with more contemporary fixtures and fittings to create a put-together unified space.”

Cost Breakdown:

• Kitchen cupboard paints: £45
• Kitchen tile paint (3 tins): £68.97
• Primer for cupboards (1 tin): £20
• Worktops (IKEA Vrena): £300
• Solid Oak flooring (B&Q): £230.40
• Handles (Amazon, 2 boxes): £30
• Tile trim (B&Q): £12
• Smeg fridge freezer (second hand): £430
• Wodar boiling water tap: £300
• Black Sink (IKEA circular hub): £65

Total Cost: £1,501.37

Groundwork has officially started for the development of 36 affordable flats in Bellahouston by AS Homes (Scotland) in partnership with Home Group. Located at the former Bellahouston Academy site, the new development will see the transformation of the school’s former gymnasium and swimming pool facilities to build a mix of sustainable one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats. 

Spanning a 0.7 acre site, the vibrant new development has been designed to compliment the local surroundings and bring a fresh yet well-suited ambience to the area, including an on-site car park, cycle stores and a community playpark for families and children to enjoy.

The development has been Secure By Design Gold Accredited and modelled to accommodate varying occupier needs. Supporting the area’s wider net zero ambitions, the energy-efficient homes meet Glasgow’s gold hybrid standard for suitability. 

Kieran Sexton, Commercial Director at AS Homes Scotland, said: “My team and I are delighted to have been appointed to deliver 36 innovative new homes in Glasgow. Formerly used as an educational campus, this site has a lot of potential and we’re delighted that it is being used to bring more affordable properties to the area. As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow, it is important that we do our part to ensure that our homes are available to those in need. 

“We’re extremely optimistic about this project and the difference that it will make to the local area. It will be rewarding to see this development progress and enhance the local area as it nears completion.” 

Andrew Campbell, Development and Delivery Manager at Home Group, said: “It’s great to be working in partnership with AS Homes Scotland to add to our existing portfolio of affordable homes in Glasgow. This project will play a key role in further strengthening Bellahouston’s offering as an attractive and affordable place to live and we’re delighted that work is underway.”

The new development is due for completion in August 2023. 

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Barnet Council Leader Cllr Barry Rawlings led a visit with project partners in Hendon to celebrate work starting on an innovative, co-designed housing scheme delivering 217 new affordable homes, including 75 extra-care homes.

As part of the project, Barnet Council has entered into a partnership with Sage Homes, to ensure the whole scheme was designated as affordable. Sage Homes invested over £46m in the scheme and worked with the council to jointly secure £7m of GLA grant.

The affordable homes scheme was designed in collaboration with residents, neighbours and local community organisations, who were consulted throughout the process and central to the agreed design.

This process led to a design to enhance the elements of the estate that residents like and improve the aspects they didn’t like. As a result, the buildings have been arranged to ensure the open, park-like character of the estate is retained and new amenities and community spaces will be introduced.

“The Fosters Estate is one part of Barnet borough’s ambitious housing delivery programme – the largest in the capital. We are building for and with our residents, respectful of our communities and proud of our heritage.

“To achieve this, we know we must work in partnership with residents, whether that’s on community-led regeneration, or co-design of local services, to deliver new affordable homes, new facilities, public spaces and places to be enjoyed by all,” said Cllr Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council.

“We’re delighted to be working with Barnet Council, the GLA and Sage Homes and Hill to be delivering much-needed high quality homes in Barnet.

“We have worked closely with existing residents on the estate to co-design the new homes, strengthening the community ties and enhancing the surrounding areas. This project further strengthens our home-building credentials,” added Tim Mulvenna, CEO of The Barnet Group.

Under the partnership, Barnet Homes will manage 60 homes at London Affordable Rent on the council’s behalf for people on the borough’s waiting list and continue to manage the entire estate.

Sage Homes will sell the remaining 82 shared ownership homes to part-rent part-buy customers in the local area who cannot afford to buy on the open market. The council is also developing 75 extra care homes on the site of the old Cheshir House.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Demand for new build homes increased by 8% in May, and online searches for this type of home are now significantly higher than they were two years ago. For buyers looking to enjoy all the benefits of contemporary design, St Arthur Homes is delighted to announce that the second phase of its Shared Ownership homes at Lancaster Park will be launching this Summer.

Located in the picturesque market town of West Malling in Kent, each home features stylish, high-quality interiors and spacious layouts combined with Kent’s beautiful rolling countryside on the doorstep – following the sell-out success of the first phase of Shared Ownership homes at Lancaster Park, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Comprising a selection of 12 two and three-bedroom houses, each home at Lancaster Park has been completed in partnership with Crest Nicholson. Ideal for first-time buyers or families looking to secure a property that meets the needs of modern living, homes at Lancaster Park have plenty of space to live, work and relax. Kitchens come complete with a range of high-quality integrated appliances, including a fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer dryer. Private rear gardens, provide a secure space for a growing family to play or to entertain guests during the warmer weather. Each home also comes with two allocated parking spaces, making it easy to get out and explore the local area.

“Following the popularity of our first phase of homes at Lancaster Park, we are delighted to be preparing for the launch of our next collection of homes here. These stylish new build homes provide plenty of space for the whole family to spend time together, as well as easy access to the town and surrounding countryside. We expect there to be high demand for the new Shared Ownership homes at Lancaster Park and urge prospective purchasers to register their interest as soon as possible as soon as possible,” said Louise Mills, Sales & Marketing Director for St. Arthur Homes.

Surrounded by spectacular medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture, the Kent town of West Malling is just a mile from Lancaster Park’s idyllic location. Hosting a selection of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, residents are located within easy walking distance of a range of daily amenities. Alternatively, the Kings Hill Village Centre is just a 4-minute drive away offering a selection of shops, supermarkets, and a pub. For avid shoppers, Bluewater Shopping Centre and Ashford Designer Retail Outlet are both nearby, being located just 32 and 40 minutes away respectively.

Families with school-aged children are also well catered for. Just a mile from the development, both Valley Invicta Primary School and Kings Hill School Primary and Nursery have been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, perfect for younger children. For secondary school pupils, Wrotham School and Aylesford School can both be reached in around 10-minutes by car.

Known as the Garden of England, Kent is home to some of the most breath-taking walks and views in the country. Close to home, the award-winning Manor Country Park hosts wildflower meadows, a tranquil lake and woodland to explore, as well as a charming café and children’s play area. For avid golfers, there is also a plethora of golf courses available within a 10-minute drive including Kings Hill Golf Club, Wrotham Heath Golf Club and West Malling Golf Club.

Lancaster Park benefits from exceptional transport connections around the South East. Commuters can hop on a train from nearby West Malling Station and reach London Victoria in under an hour. Regular services also run to Canterbury West, Ramsgate and Ashford International. For those preferring to travel by car, the M20 and M25 motorways are both easily accessible via the A228, providing connections towards London, Folkestone and Dover.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

The picturesque Cathedral city of Winchester saw house prices rise to £507,658 in March 2022, up by 14.7% since March 2021. For homebuyers who aspire to live within easy distance of this thriving regional hotspot of Winchester, St Arthur Homes has just launched its spectacular new Shared Ownership show home at Whiteley Meadows. With the first phase of homes at Whiteley Meadows proving incredibly popular, purchasers looking to secure one of the new two and three-bedroom houses in this latest phase, should arrange a visit to the new show home as soon as possible.

Nestled between the Hampshire villages of Whiteley and Botley, buyers at Whiteley Meadows can enjoy easy access to Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton, all less than a 30-minute drive away. In addition to exceptional transport connections, buyers at Whiteley Meadows can take full advantage of a range of shops and leisure amenities available locally, as well as many stunning green spaces to explore. Set across multiple phases, Whiteley Meadows is set to form an attractive new community, complete with more than 3,000 new homes, alongside new schools, nurseries, a care home, a community centre and retail outlets.

Each Shared Ownership home at Whiteley Meadows has been thoughtfully designed to provide unbeatable quality. All of the two and three-bedroom houses offer spacious and flexible interior layouts perfect for relaxing, entertaining or days when working from home. Stylish kitchens come complete with a range of high-quality integrated Indesit appliances, whilst bathrooms enjoy sleek white sanitaryware and Porcelonosa floor and wall tiling. All houses enjoy a private garden and the added benefit of having two allocated parking spaces. Some homes also benefit from the added convenience of a garage.

Whiteley Meadows is ideally positioned to take advantage of both the idyllic Hampshire countryside and the range of amenities located in Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth. For those keen to explore a little further afield, West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth are both around 30-minutes away by car. For those favouring the wonders of the great outdoors, Curbridge Nature Reserve is just a 10-minute walk away and provides stunning riverside walks through ancient oak woodland. Residents can also enjoy the range of gym facilities and fitness classes available at The Meadowside Leisure Centre.

Commuters can enjoy exceptional travel connections from Whiteley Meadows. Positioned just off the A3051, the homes enjoy easy access to the M27 motorway from which the M25 provides easy access around London. For those driving to Portsmouth and Southampton, the A27 is also nearby. Alternatively, for those preferring to travel by train, Whitely Meadows is a little over a mile away from Botley train station providing regular services to Cosham, Portsmouth and Southampton in around half an hour.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Platform Housing Group, the largest landlord in the Midlands, is celebrating a shortlisting at the upcoming Midlands Residential Property Awards for its scheme in the Peak District National Park.

The site at Colonel Wright Close in Bakewell was finished last summer after some 10 years of hard work by the group and its partners in the planning and local authorities.

One of a very small number of affordable schemes in the area, the development of 30 homes was completed using stone from the local quarry to sit in keeping with the beautiful natural area. 

Platform are one of Homes England’s strategic partners and the project is viewed as a great example of what can be achieved by the housing sector.

“Well done to Platform and its partners for delivering a truly fantastic scheme. It’s a visually stunning scheme delivering high quality housing in an area of outstanding beauty and with high demand for affordable housing. This is a great result for the local community,” said Tom Hawley, Head of Affordable Housing at Homes England.

Local residents have been delighted with the results, enabling them to afford to stay in the town where they grew up, which saw one of the highest rises in house prices in the UK during the last two years.

“We’ve got specific purposes to conserve the area, but we also have a duty to look after our communities. With Colonel Wright Close, we’ve formed some really strong partnerships and even though we have different agendas, in terms of the constraints we’ve got, this is a fantastic achievement,” added Brian Taylor, head of planning at the Peak District National Park Authority.

The developer for the scheme was Lindum Group. A spokesperson said: “The scheme took more than a decade to come to fruition and the nomination is recognition of the hard work and dedication by our client, Platform Housing. A lot of care and attention was put into ensuring the homes were built to maintain the look of the area and our construction team worked with local planners to agree material selections. This involved producing sample panels of stonework and render to prove the quality of the products. We also liaised with the local quarry to ensure stone supplies would be readily available.  The final result is a development of much-needed homes in a beautiful part of the country and it would be fantastic if the scheme was crowned winner on the night. “

“This just shows how a small site can have a huge impact on the area and the community. To have such a beautiful scheme that provides much needed affordable housing in the town makes us very proud. I’d like to thank all the partners that worked so hard over a long period of time to help achieve this,” concluded Group Chief Executive at Platform Elizabeth Froude.

The awards take place on June 23^rd at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham where Platform has also been shortlisted for the Social Housing Award.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News