A major housing development in South Wokingham has been approved, paving the way for 1,434 new homes, a primary school, public spaces, and a local centre. The project, a collaboration between Miller Homes and Kier Property, forms part of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location (SWSDL) in Berkshire. Wokingham Borough Council initially resolved to grant planning permission in May 2021 and has now given the final go-ahead. Construction is set to begin this spring, subject to reserved matters applications and planning conditions. The development also includes plans for a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to help offset environmental impacts. David Brown, managing director of Miller Homes Southern, said: “This project marks an important step in delivering much-needed housing, infrastructure, and amenities for South Wokingham. The addition of a new primary school and public spaces will create a thriving community for future residents. Our commitment to sustainable and timely delivery will ensure the success of this strategic development.” Kier Property managing director Leigh Thomas added: “By working closely with Miller Homes, Wokingham Borough Council, and the local community, we aim to provide not only essential housing but also sustainable infrastructure and vibrant public spaces that serve both current and future generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Latimer has appointed JJ Rhatigan as the principal contractor for the much-anticipated Twyford Abbey redevelopment in west London, marking a major step forward in transforming the historic site. Twyford Abbey, a derelict Grade II-listed manor house in Ealing, has long been on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register. After acquiring the site in 2023, Latimer – the development arm of Clarion Housing Group – is working with Redington Capital to restore and repurpose the landmark. JJ Rhatigan will lead the construction of 296 homes across a series of five-storey residential blocks within the abbey grounds. Alongside this, the project will see the restoration of the Grade II-listed walled garden for community use, while the main building will be carefully refurbished in collaboration with Picture Property Developments to create 30 unique apartments. Designed by renowned architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the scheme blends sustainability with heritage preservation. The development will feature renewable energy solutions, including rooftop photovoltaic panels for electricity generation, as well as air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water. For the first time in decades, the Abbey’s 1.2-acre South Lawn will also be reopened for public enjoyment. Clarion Housing Group’s chief development officer, Richard Cook, highlighted JJ Rhatigan’s strong track record and commitment to safety, while Tom Neylon, UK managing director at JJ Rhatigan, emphasised the opportunity to “blend contemporary housing solutions with the careful restoration of an important heritage site.” With the contract now signed, construction is scheduled to commence in March, with the first homes expected to be completed by 2027. This landmark project will not only bring new homes to west London but also breathe new life into a historic treasure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

73 new affordable homes are being developed on the historic Ripleyville estate. New pictures have been revealed to showcase the progress at the Ripleyville estate in Bradford, where North of England contractor Esh Construction is delivering an affordable housing project. Esh Construction was appointed by Accent Housing to manage the demolition of the existing properties – built in the 1970s – to replace them with 73 modern affordable homes for multi-generational living. With work officially getting underway in October 2023, a selection of pictures has been released which showcase the regeneration development taking shape, as Esh works towards a handover of the first properties in the summer. Simon Woodward, Operations Director at Esh Construction, said: “The site at Ripleyville is steeped in history and holds a deep significance for the Bradford community. This redevelopment project will deliver great benefit to the community for years to come. “We are proud to collaborate with Accent Housing on this transformative regeneration and have made key progress through the last 12 months as we work to deliver a wide range of housing options for the whole community.” The project will see nine one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments built alongside 10 two-bedroom, 37 three-bedroom, 6 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom houses. So far, 26 homes and 14 apartments have been fully built with roofing installed, while flooring and plastering works are well underway internally. Major drainage works and services installation commenced at the end of January as the build phase on the remainder of the homes continues. The new homes are designed to be highly energy efficient, with no gas supply to the development. Air source heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed, with each property achieving an Energy Performance (EPC) rating of A. Accent Housing worked closely with customers, Bradford Council and other external stakeholders throughout the consultation and planning stages and the development is being delivered as part of Accent’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England – the housing provider received a grant from the affordable housing programme 2021-2026. Sarah Ireland, Executive Director of Strategy and Growth at Accent, said: “We are delighted to see the progress made at Ripleyville which is a flagship development for Accent. The scheme at Ripleyville is Accent’s first large scale operational net zero affordable development meaning we’re Future Homes ready based on the current draft standard. “The redevelopment of the site underscores our continued commitment to deliver environmentally sustainable housing which meets the housing demand of the local area and enhances the community in which it stands. This project leverages advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency which will also reduce our customers’ energy bills. “Our commitment to this project highlights our focus on both environmental responsibility and meaningful community collaboration, of which we will continue to replicate in future developments across the country.” Ripleyville was first brought to life in the 1860s as an industrial model village that included around 200 workers’ cottages, a school, church and allotments. After falling into disrepair in the 1970s, the site was flattened and rebuilt with 162 flats and two bungalows as part of the Bradford Development Plan. But with the estate being developed with post-war no-fines concrete, it became difficult to maintain, and in October 2022, Esh Construction was appointed to support the regeneration of the area, including a full site strip, removal of asbestos and the demolition of existing properties and service diversions. As part of its Constructing Local strategy, Esh has donated £5,000 to Better Lives Charity to help Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust service users get to health care appointments, educational courses, training and employment more easily. The funds were used to purchase up to 20 bikes and accessories which have been made available to the Care Trust’s service users who struggle with public transport costs. The project is due to be completed in Autumn 2025. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Housebuilder Story Homes is delighted to announce exchange of contracts for a new site for residential development on Dialstone Lane in Offerton, Stockport. Proposals for the site would see the delivery of 112 high quality homes, including 50% affordable housing, which would contribute positively towards meeting Stockport’s recognised housing need. Located on Dialstone Lane between Brooklyn Road and Hornbeam Close, the land is owned by Stockport Grammar School and was historically used by the school for playing sports. However, due to numerous issues including safeguarding challenges and a lack of facilities, the space has not been in active use by the school since 2015. Rather than remaining unused, the school has been exploring options to give the site a new future. A planning application for the new residential development will be submitted to Stockport Council imminently and follows on from a public consultation event which took place in February last year, which sought feedback from local residents to help shape plans for the new scheme. As part of the new development, Story Homes will work with the Council to agree a package of community measures and contributions to benefit new and existing local residents, including a sports mitigation scheme, in line with the Section 106 Agreement.* Martin Nugent, Head of Land and Planning for Story Homes North West, said: “We are pleased to have exchanged contracts on this land which could see the delivery of 112 new homes in Stockport. It is very important to us that we deliver a sustainable community that benefits new and existing residents alike, and so we were pleased to be able to engage with the local community, taking on board their feedback on our plans and working together to bring this vision for a new development to life. “In line with our commitment to the local community, our plans include dedicated public open spaces and play areas that will be accessible for both current and future residents. The new homes will be set within a green and leafy development which will support local wildlife and biodiversity and help to alleviate pressure on Stockport’s green belt zone.” This new residential development would also create benefits for the local economy during the construction phase as a result of direct and indirect employment opportunities through the sub-contractor and supply chains, as well as an increased demand for local services when the new homes are occupied. Hazel Tritschler, Chair of Governors at Stockport Grammar School, said: “We are delighted to partner with Story Homes on this residential development, which will provide benefits for both the school and the local community. “The proceeds from this transaction will significantly increase the school’s bursary program, thereby further expanding opportunities for local children, and maintain the 537 year ethos of providing education. Additionally, a substantial portion of the funds generated will be invested in upgrading the school’s existing facilities, helping to offset rising costs of maintaining our historic buildings and investing in measures to improve the environmental performance of the campus.”  The housebuilder will aim to commence works on this site in late 2025, subject to approval of the planning application. For more information, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Barratt London and Places for London have secured planning approval for the next phase of its Bollo Lane site, following a unanimous decision by Ealing London Borough Council’s planning committee. The site, which sits between Bollo Lane and the Piccadilly railway lines by Acton Town Station, was the first development to be announced as part of the West London Partnership, an industry-leading collaboration that will unlock more than 4,000 new homes over the next decade. The Bollo Lane project will be delivered in four phases and will provide up to 900 new homes once complete.  Each residential phase will deliver 50% affordable housing to rent or buy. Construction works are due to begin this spring, with the first phase comprising 195 one, two and three-bedroom homes for private and affordable rent. The second phase that will be unlocked by the committee approval will deliver 455 new homes for affordable and private sale over the next five years.  In addition to delivering much-needed new homes, the project will create an entirely new street frontage along the western edge of Bollo Lane, providing extensive areas of new public realm alongside 20,000 sq ft of commercial and retail spaces. Residents will benefit from two new podium gardens, whilst the wider community will enjoy biodiverse green spaces through the creation of a new public square and community garden on land that was previously inaccessible to the public. The scheme has been designed to promote healthy and active travel methods, with new pedestrian and cycle routes linking Acton Town and Chiswick. Biodiversity and sustainability have been carefully considered at every stage of scheme design. The proposals for Phase 2 are set to achieve a biodiversity net gain of 126%, with an urban greening factor of 0.47. There will be 250 new trees planted across the development, whilst highly efficient buildings will use sustainable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and generate lower energy bills for residents. Section 106 contributions agreed with Ealing London Borough Council will see more than £3m contributed to Education, Healthcare, Transport and other improvements in the Borough. In addition, the project will create up to 500 new jobs over the course of the development, and 20 new apprenticeships will be made available thanks to the West London Partnership. Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, comments: “We are pleased to receive the unanimous approval of Ealing’s Planning Committee for our updated Bollo Lane proposals, on what is a key strategic site for the West London Partnership. Since Places for London appointed us as their formal development partner for the site two years ago, we have worked closely on our shared vision to bring plans forward and ensure we deliver a site to be truly proud of. Our partnership at Bollo Lane will unlock nearly 900 new homes, and with half of these affordable, we are working in tandem with Places for London and Ealing London Borough Council to meet the housing needs in the borough.” Jonathan Cornelius, Head of Property Development at Places for London, comments: “It is fantastic news to get the go ahead for our plans at Bollo Lane in Acton Town. This milestone is a significant step in our plans to deliver around 900 homes here – our largest development to date. “Our plans have been designed to reflect the area’s heritage and context, such as the Grade II-listed station next to it, and will bring hundreds of the homes that London urgently needs. “The scheme will benefit the local community with welcoming green spaces, improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities and new commercial opportunities for local businesses.” To find out more about Barratt London visit www.barrattlondon.com or for further details on Places for London visit www.placesforlondon.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Following the success of its award-winning St Osyth Priory development, now completely sold, award-winning housebuilder City & Country is starting work on 190 high-quality new homes at Priory Fields, also set adjacent to the grounds of the ancient St Osyth Priory near Colchester in Essex. The first homes will be available to buy off-plan from Spring 2025. The new development will include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses, all carefully designed to offer luxurious modern living while blending with the character of the historic Priory, parts of which are Grade I and II* Listed. With access to a private circular walk around the grounds of the historic Estate, extensive landscaping and green open spaces, residents here will be surrounded by nature as well as centuries of history. Now an established events venue, St Osyth Priory dates back to the 12th century, when it was founded as a monastery, dedicated to Saint Osyth – a local noblewoman after whom the nearby village is named, who founded a convent in the seventh century. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the priory passed first to Thomas Cromwell, then to Princess Mary, remaining a private home until the First World War when it was requisitioned by the Army, later being used as a convalescent home. The priory was acquired and repurposed in 1999 and has since undertaken a complete refurbishment of the estate, with new homes, holiday accommodation, a working rare breeds farm, a luxury wedding and events venue and a country pub, as well as the restoration of the 16 separate listed buildings on the site. After the success of City & Country’s first development of 73 private homes on the site, which won a Silver award for its public realm in the Whathouse? Awards 2023 and Housebuilder of the Year in 2024, the new build and historic renovations specialist was the obvious choice to develop a further 30 acres of land adjacent to St Osyth Priory, which is within walking distance of the quaint village of St Osyth. Priory Fields is located just five miles from the bright lights and sandy beaches of Clacton-on-Sea and 12 miles from the historic town of Colchester with its castle and Roman walls – the longest and best preserved in the country. Colchester is known for its independent shops and high street names, including a Fenwick department store, the thriving Mercury Theatre, grammar schools and University of Essex campus. Trains from Colchester, Clacton and Great Bentley offer convenient direct services to London Liverpool Street. Meanwhile, the village of St Osyth has a range of local, independently run pubs, bistros and restaurants, convenience stores, a busy seasonal street market and amenities including a primary school and GP surgery. The homes at Priory Fields will be varied in design to create an environment that is enhanced by the grandeur of the nearby listed buildings, while the off-the-beaten track nature of the development will guarantee peace and privacy. Rare breed animals, including white deer, roam the grounds, while the natural wetlands and ponds close to the river provide a habitat for marshland and coastal birds. At various points around the estate residents can enjoy beautiful views towards Brightlingsea and Mersea Island and sunsets over the estuary. With public nature reserve, Martin’s Farm Country Park opposite Priory Fields is only a short five-minute walk away. Shelley West, Group Sales and Marketing Director at City & Country, comments: “Our first development in this fabulous location sold out exceptionally quickly, so we are delighted to be starting work on Priory Fields, which will launch a wide variety of homes offering the perfect mix of modern living in a historic, country setting. Surrounded by peace and nature, with beautiful walks, quiet beaches and the quaint village of St Osyth just a stroll away, Priory Fields on the Essex coastline offers life at a slower pace – in a setting enjoyed by monks, saints and royalty for over a thousand years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Major homebuilder Cala has launched a new business division, Cala Southern, as part of its growth strategy across the South of England. Cala Southern will spearhead the company’s westward expansion, enhancing Cala’s presence in Dorset, Hampshire and Southern Wiltshire, to meet strong demand for high-quality housing. The new division will also manage Cala’s existing live sites in these counties, including Winchester, Wimborne and Fordingbridge, previously overseen by Cala Thames. Cala Southern will be led by incoming managing director Rod Martin who brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked across the housebuilding sector for almost 25 years, including in leadership positions at Taylor Wimpey and Redrow. This year, Cala Southern will deliver 400 homes, with plans to increase this to over 500 homes annually by 2028. The division’s new headquarters in Winchester will open in March, and the region will support around 90 new direct roles so far, and hundreds more jobs through subcontractor partners and the supply chain. Kevin Whitaker, CEO of Cala Group commented: “Our strategy to expand Cala’s presence in the South West of England has taken a significant step forward. The expertise within our team and success of our high-quality, sustainable homes across England, have given us the confidence to invest in Cala Southern.” “Cala is well-positioned to achieve our goal of building over 4,000 homes by 2029, across the Group. Aligned with this ambition, our teams throughout the UK are proactively looking to invest in sites with and without planning permission, for both short-term and future development. They have the skill and financial backing to unlock potential across the full range of planning and development opportunities.”                       “We’re delighted to welcome Rod to the Cala Southern business. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the local market and our customer profile will further strengthen our team as they continue to invest in opportunities across the new patch.” Rod Martin, Managing Director of Cala Southern added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Cala at such an exciting time as we announce the launch of the Southern division. The business is already in a strong position, with 1,800 homes in the pipeline to be delivered between now and 2028.” “We will soon be opening our new head office in Winchester, which will perfectly position Cala to further capitalise on markets across Dorset, Hampshire and southern Wiltshire. We are focused on building on Cala’s success in the region to date and look forward to forging new relationships as we further expand the business.” Cala has a long-term plan for growth in England. The strategic decision to launch Cala Southern has been accelerated by the strong performance of Cala’s Thames division, which completed over 560 homes and delivered over £225m turnover in 2024. Cala Thames aims to deliver more than 1,800 homes in prime residential locations in Surrey, Berkshire and central Wiltshire by 2028. For more information about Cala Southern visit: www.cala.co.uk/southernland Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning housebuilder, Spitfire Homes, recently hosted a fully booked launch event for prospective buyers to view its highly-anticipated show home at Maybank, a collection of design-led new properties in Halesowen.  New data from Zoopla has revealed the housing market has made the strongest start to a year since 2022, with new sales agreed increasing by 12% year-on-year. Located at the former Sandvik HQ, the new West Midlands address includes a range of 61 two-to four-bedroom homes, plus two one-bedroom maisonettes, and first occupations are set from Spring 2025. All properties at Maybank include energy-efficient air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and electric vehicle charging points, all as standard. In addition to retaining existing woodland, Spitfire is planning to plant a number of trees and enhance green areas to encourage wildlife and preserve the natural environment. Matt Vincent, Operations Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “We have seen unprecedented levels of interest at Maybank since acquiring the site in 2023, and the opening of the new show home marks a significant and exciting milestone for the collection.   “Our database has been consistently growing and there was a real sense of anticipation ahead of the opening weekend, with a number of customers having already visited show homes at our other collections across the Midlands to experience the Spitfire difference. We are already 10 per cent sold prior to the show home launch so we would urge any prospective buyers to schedule their appointment to view.” The Midlands-based housebuilder welcomed customers to explore the Kedleston, a four-bedroom detached family home showcasing Spitfire’s Signature specification. As the largest property available at Maybank, it boasts an open-plan kitchen and dining area, as well as a spacious living room and study ideal for home working. Upstairs, the home presents four double bedrooms, including a premium en suite to the primary and a four-piece family bathroom.  Dean Grove, Managing Director at Grove Properties Group, the instructed selling agent for Maybank, added: “We are not surprised by the high level of interest at Maybank because Spitfire Homes has a growing reputation as one of the leading housebuilders in the region, and the show home is testament to why that is. We’ve also found that buyers are prioritising futureproof homes due to the financial benefits of sustainable technologies and the general change in attitudes towards living a greener lifestyle, something that aligns well with Spitfire’s energy-efficient homes.” To find out more about Spitfire Homes, or schedule your appointment to view the show home at Maybank, please visit: https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/find-your-home/maybank/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals