Solihull-based Terra Strategic has submitted a Full Planning Application for 212 homes and community facilities, which is the first phase of the masterplan for the 72-acre (29.1 Ha) former Hawkesbury Golf Club in Bedworth, Warwickshire. The Gross Development Value of the whole ‘Canal Village’ is in the region of £115m.
The entire length of the development area is bounded by Coventry Canal, with vehicular access provided from Stockley Road and Sephton Drive – both off Blackhorse Road. Terra Strategic purchased the land unconditionally in 2018 and has since secured its allocation for at least 380 residential units, infrastructure and community facilities in the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan, which was adopted last year. The site lies just north of Hawkesbury village, which is served by regular bus routes, schooling and local amenities. It was a Golf Course between 1990 and 2006, but historically had been used for mining activity.
The planning application that has been lodged with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is for 212 high quality dwellings, including a 25 per cent provision of affordable homes. There are four ponds/pools across the site, including Hawkesbury Farm Pool, which will all be retained and will form a key part of the ecology strategy for the scheme. Across the 32 acres (12.9 Ha) covered by the detailed application, there is also the provision of extensive Public Open Space, foot and cycle paths including a new Sustrans link, landscaping, habitat enhancement, a children’s play area, allotments and an orchard, and a circa 2,000 sq ft community building with a dedicated car park for 18 cars.
The masterplan for the whole 72 acres has been carried out by Hampshire-based Thrive Architects, with Birmingham-based Malcolm Payne Design Group responsible for the detailed design for the first phase.
James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra Strategic said: “This site has huge potential to create a vibrant new community, which is only a five-mile canalside walk or cycle ride into Coventry city centre. It will have a transformative effect on the local area, and we are especially keen for work to be able to commence as soon as possible, in order to create enhancements to the public realm in time for the 2021 City of Culture initiative.
“While residential land of this size and scale requires phasing considerations, submitting a detailed application for the first 212 homes has enabled us to include a significant amount of much-needed community facilities, such as a new Sustrans link, children’s play area, allotments and a community building. We have engaged in constructive pre-application discussions with Nuneaton and Bedworth Council’s Planning Department and are currently working alongside officers and key consultees while the application is being considered.”
The planning application proposes a wide range of accommodation incorporating one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, and two, three and four-bedroom family homes. The homes have been designed with a striking mixture of red brick and render.
The site is traversed by three public footpaths, which provide links with Hawkesbury Village to the south; Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Bedworth town centre to the west; and along Coventry Canal and beyond to Coventry Way to the north and south. The planning application proposes retaining these footpaths, with new links to be created north-south and east-west through the centre of the site. New cycle ways will also be created. The application also proposes creating two acres of allotment gardens with timber storage sheds and a community orchard.
Terra Strategic is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process.
Terra Strategic has a national reach, having secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
