Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has received planning approval to redevelop its Windmill Court site in Mortimer Common, near Reading, into 24 high-quality affordable homes. The project will replace an outdated over-55s accommodation block with a modern development of houses and maisonettes, each designed with private outdoor space and parking. Set in a quiet location on the edge of the village, the scheme aims to meet local housing needs while improving the character of the area. The homes will offer a mix of 11 for Shared Ownership and 13 for social rent, ensuring a variety of affordable housing options for local people. All properties will be built to SNG’s Homes and Place Standard, which sets high expectations for comfort, space and energy performance. Sustainability measures such as air source heat pumps and solar panels will be incorporated to reduce energy costs and support greener living. Jenny Grote, Assistant Director New Business at SNG, said: “We are delighted that planning has been achieved at Windmill Court after a long journey through the system. This project will replace older buildings with a well-designed new community of affordable homes. By working to our Homes and Place Standard, we are ensuring these homes will be comfortable, spacious, and energy-efficient. The mix of houses and maisonettes will suit a range of local households and the inclusion of outdoor space and parking makes them especially attractive for village living. Most importantly, these homes will enhance Mortimer Common and create affordable opportunities for people who want to live in the village.” The planning process involved lengthy engagement with local stakeholders to ensure the development meets community needs. Approval followed extended discussions with the local authority to address the site’s historic covenants and its previous use. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with completion targeted for late 2027. Four households who previously lived at Windmill Court have already expressed interest in returning once the new homes are ready. Located just seven miles from Reading, Mortimer Common offers a strong community identity, local amenities and good transport links, including a railway station on the Reading to Basingstoke line. The redevelopment of Windmill Court is set to bring much-needed affordable homes to this popular West Berkshire village. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has agreed to the purchase of two parcels of land at Parsonage Road in Takeley, Essex, with plans to deliver a high-quality new residential community of 108 homes. The site, which spans almost 16 acres, was acquired through land promoter Endurance Estates and agent Sworders and has a gross development value of £50 million. 40% of the development will be delivered as affordable housing, comprising one and two-bedroom apartments, and two to four-bedroom houses for affordable rent and shared ownership. The development will also offer a range of two to five-bedroom houses for private sale. To better align with the housing needs of Uttlesford District Council, Hill will replace an existing reserved matters consent for a 66-bedroom care home on part of the land, identified as surplus to local requirements, with additional housing. A reserved matters application for 88 homes and a full application for 20 homes are expected to be submitted in October 2025, with a start on site targeted for summer 2026. The new homes will be designed to meet high environmental standards in line with Hill’s commitment to sustainable development. Features will include energy-efficient fabric-first construction, air-source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage, and private or shared outdoor space. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “Parsonage Road is a well-located site that will enable us to deliver high-quality new homes in an area where there is a strong housing need. By adapting existing consents to reflect local housing requirements, we can create a new residential community that truly enhances the local area. We look forward to engaging with residents and stakeholders as we develop our detailed proposals.” Takeley is a thriving Essex village located between Bishop’s Stortford and Great Dunmow, with excellent transport links via the M11 corridor to both London and Cambridge, as well as close proximity to Stansted Airport. The village benefits from a wide range of community amenities, schools, and local services, making it an attractive setting for home movers. Hill has a proud tradition of delivering high-quality new homes in Essex, with its headquarters based locally in Waltham Abbey. Current developments include Hollymead Square in Newport and a large-scale development at Kennel Lane in Billericay, both of which showcase Hill’s design-led approach to placemaking. Together with the new proposals for Takeley, these projects demonstrate Hill’s long-term commitment to working in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver much-needed sustainable new homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The London Borough of Lambeth has approved plans for a mid-rise residential development in Brixton, with Higgins Partnerships securing consent for a series of blocks delivering 378 apartments on Somerleyton Road. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with full completion scheduled for 2030. The project is a joint venture between Higgins Partnerships and Lambeth Council. Of the 378 flats, 187 will be affordable, including 63 low-cost extra care homes. The scheme also includes a community gym, new community and commercial spaces, and significant public realm improvements along Somerleyton Road. Higgins Group chief executive Declan Higgins said: “This application is about more than delivering much-needed affordable homes. It’s about creating a sustainable, inclusive and vibrant neighbourhood that reflects the true spirit of Brixton.” Kathryn Eames, director of housing delivery and strategy at Lambeth Council, added: “With more than half of these new homes approved as affordable, this scheme is a powerful demonstration of Lambeth’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis. Less than a year since the launch of our refreshed New Homes Programme, we are proud that our first major partnership project with Higgins has already secured approval. By next year, construction will begin in Brixton, bringing much-needed homes and new community amenities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Henry Boot has announced that its property investment and development arm, HBD, has been appointed by Imperial War Museums (IWM) and Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, as development partner for Duxford AvTech. The 25-acre site, located eight miles south of Cambridge within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, will be transformed into a 435,000 sq ft aviation technology campus with a gross development value of £162 million. The scheme aims to bring academia, industry and government together to drive the development of low- and zero-carbon aircraft technology at IWM Duxford. Plans for the new campus include high sustainability standards, with targets of BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings. Once complete, the project is expected to deliver 1,200 new jobs and contribute an estimated £64 million in additional gross value added to the Cambridgeshire economy. Detailed plans will now be prepared ahead of a planning application, which is expected to be submitted before the end of the year. The Duxford AvTech scheme adds to HBD’s growing portfolio of large-scale innovation projects. Earlier this year, the developer secured approval for the first phase of the £1 billion Golden Valley scheme in Cheltenham, which will deliver around 1 million sq ft of commercial space, including the 160,000 sq ft National Cyber Innovation Centre, alongside 576 new homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Linear Living has completed the first phase of its £34 million Trafford Gardens project on Talbot Road, marking a key milestone in the transformation of the Trafford Civic Quarter. The initial stage, finished earlier this month, has delivered 33 affordable homes, all of which have been purchased by Salford-based housing association Irwell Valley Homes. The properties will be offered to residents on a rent-to-buy basis, supporting local demand for accessible housing. Work is already underway on phase two, which will deliver a further 116 homes for private sale, with prices starting from £220,000. The wider scheme, set for completion in late 2025, will ultimately provide a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments spread across a 13-storey block. Residents will also benefit from shared amenities, including a rooftop garden and a private courtyard. Located just 300 metres from both Old Trafford and Trafford Bar Metrolink stops, Trafford Gardens offers strong connectivity to Manchester city centre, a key factor in its appeal to both buyers and renters. The project forms part of the Trafford Civic Quarter masterplan, which seeks to regenerate the area surrounding Old Trafford Cricket Ground into a vibrant residential community. The development is being delivered by Linear Design and Construct, an associated company of Linear Living, with support from Peak Properties as advisor and sales agent. Other key stakeholders include Irwell Valley Homes, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Maslow Capital, and JDA Architects. The site has a complex history: originally launched in 2020 by Investar Property Group with designs by Tim Groom Architects, the scheme stalled when Investar entered administration. Linear Living acquired the site in 2023, breathing new life into the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has completed on the 526 new homes on a 47-acre site in Boulton Moor, Derby. This new development promises an excellent mix of much-needed family homes for the area, including affordable homes, homes for the private rental sector and properties for sale on the open market. The site will also feature a playground for the younger members of the new community. Dave Bradley, Managing Director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “I am delighted that our land team has completed the acquisition of land to build 526 high-quality new homes at Boulton Moor. This marks a significant step forward in bringing much-needed housing to the area, including a blend of affordable, PRS and private homes designed to create a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to bring this development to life and provide homes that cater to the needs of local people.” This development forms the third phase of Derby’s Strategic Urban Extension, designed to create a 2,600-home village attached to the city. It will incorporate facilities including schools, shops, a care home, businesses, a transport hub, and electric charging stations. Planning permission was granted in May 2025 with work expected to start later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans have been submittedfor a new developmentwhich wouldbring up to 125 new homes, 15 acres of public open space and improvements to a key road junction in Bishop’s Tachbrook. Bellway Strategic Land has lodged an outline planning application with Warwick District Council for the scheme after carrying out a public consultation on its proposals at the end of last year. It is seeking permission to develop a 24-acre site on land south of Mallory Road at the western edge of the village, with large areas of public open space – including a community orchard and children’s play area – to be provided alongside the new homes. The development would also deliver improvements to the junction of Mallory Road and Banbury Road, which have been added to the plans following feedback from local residents during the consultation process. Christy McLean, Strategic Land Manager for Bellway’s Central region, said: “Our plans for the Mallory Road site are the result of extensive consultation with Warwick District Council and the wider community, enabling us to design a scheme which responds to the priorities of local people. “We have made a number of key changes to our plans following the public consultation, including relocating the community orchard within the site and allowing more space for an attenuation basin to improve its appearance. We are now also proposing to create a dedicated left-turn facility onto Banbury Road from Mallory Road to increase capacity at this junction, after this was highlighted as a particular priority by residents.” Bellway’s outline plans propose that 40 per cent of properties will be provided as affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership, and five per cent as self or custom-build plots. The homes would feature a range of energy efficiency measures and low carbon technologies including air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. It is estimated that the development would create 45 new jobs and add £11 million to the region’s economy over the anticipated three-year construction period, as well as generating £2 million in local household retail spending and £310,000 in council tax payments per year. Christy said: “If approved, the development would provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits for Bishop’s Tachbrook and the wider district. Up to 50 homes would be provided as affordable housing for local people unable to buy on the open market, while at least five per cent of properties would be bungalows to meet the needs of older residents. “The 15 acres of public open space proposed far exceeds the four acres required for a development of this size and would include a community orchard, wildflower meadow and hedgerow planting, providing new habitats to increase biodiversity. Improvements to walking and cycling routes – another priority highlighted in the consultation responses – will also be delivered, with the enhancement of the existing footpath and a new pedestrian route providing access to the bus stops on Mallory Road and amenities in the village.” Warwick District Council will make a decision on Bellway’s outline planning application. For more information on how Bellway Strategic Land plans sustainable communities, see https://www.bellwaystrategicland.co.uk/. To find out more about Bellway’s developments in Warwickshire, go to https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work on the latest phase of a transformative regeneration programme to connect Sighthill with the heart of Glasgow is set to create more than 170 new jobs. Driven by top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, the latest phase at the site now dubbed ‘NorthBridge’ will create 246 new homes at the site of former tower blocks on Pinkston Road, with 41 homes designated for social rent for Wheatley Homes Glasgow, part of Wheatley Group. The significant regeneration project will deliver more than 1,000 homes at completion and has already created 86 new jobs for local people – contributing thousands of pounds to the local Glasgow economy.  Alongside the £59.5 million investment in private and affordable homes, the latest phase of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area (TRA), Keepmoat will also generate at least £180,000 in community benefits value.  Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland, comments: “At Keepmoat we’re committed to building communities and transforming lives. Creating jobs for local people and investing in the economy of Glasgow is also at the heart of what we do.  “From supporting local suppliers and contractors to opening up employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the region, our work brings real, lasting benefits to people and our community.  “This development is a major step forward – not only in boosting economic growth, but in delivering more than 1,000 much-needed, high-quality new homes for local people.” The development will create a multi-tenure community and is set to be completed by 2028. Frank McCafferty, Group Director of Assets and Development at Wheatley Group, said: “We’re proud to be bringing forward the next phase of the NorthBridge development in Sighthill and helping support jobs for the city, with our Partners Keepmoat and Glasgow City Council.  “As the UK’s biggest builder of social homes, Wheatley is committed to investing in energy-efficient, accessible homes that people can be proud to live in.” Supported by grant funding from Glasgow City Council and Scottish Government, the 41 homes for social rent will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, and 25 houses with between two and four bedrooms. Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, added: “The regeneration of Sighthill has already brought hundreds of new high-quality homes, a new schools campus, a landmark pedestrian and cyclist bridge, and a beautiful park to a neighbourhood on the edges of the city centre.  “We can now look forward to the delivery of the next phase of the project and these new homes – including more than 40 homes for social rent – being delivered as quickly as possible.” To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/northbridge  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction has begun on Dorchester’s first Build-to-Rent residential scheme, with developer RTI Estates Ltd, part of the Dorchester-based Redtale Group, leading the project. The £11 million development will see the transformation of Vespasian House, a well-known commercial premises at the top o’ town, into a contemporary rental complex. The brownfield site is considered a highly sustainable location close to both the town centre and Dorset County Hospital. The project will deliver 33 apartments across three phases, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. Residents will also have access to shared recreational, communal and work facilities, a gym, and a courtyard garden. Under its ‘lifestyle’ concept, the scheme will provide tenants with greater security of tenure, with options ranging from six months to five years and alternative deposit arrangements. Funding support has been secured from Poole-based property finance specialist MSP Capital. Work began in July 2025, with the first phase of apartments scheduled for completion in spring/summer 2026. Malcolm Curtis, chief executive of the Redtale Group, said: “This Build-to-Rent development, the first in south Dorset, will bring a new, innovative style of modern living to the area. “We are delighted to reach this exciting milestone, in association with MSP Capital. We can’t wait to deliver what will be a well-designed and high-quality re-purposing of the prominent Vespasian House, in what is a highly sustainable location within close proximity to the town centre and Dorset County Hospital. “It fits perfectly with our ‘discover the difference’ ethos, which aims to deliver properties with better planning, better design, better build and better customer service. “As the county town of Dorchester continues to grow as a vibrant and popular town, the scheme will enhance and diversify the local housing mix and provide new options for the rental market, whilst helping to combat the chronic under-supply of quality rental homes in the area.” MSP Capital, which specialises in bridging and development loans of up to £10 million, is providing financial backing for the scheme. Lee Merrifield, MSP Capital director, said: “We are pleased to continue to support the highly-experienced and long-established Redtale Group in the regeneration of Vespasian House. “It promises to deliver a high-quality and innovative type of scheme which has proved popular in other locations throughout the UK. We look forward to seeing the development take shape.” Alongside the Build-to-Rent apartments, work has started on an extension to the front of Vespasian House to create a mixed-use building, with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments above. The project is part of Redtale Group’s wider regeneration of Dorchester’s historic Barrack Quarter into a new neighbourhood. Completed schemes already include a £2.4 million redevelopment of Barrack House, providing nine key worker apartments for NHS staff and their families, as well as the conversion of the former Quartermaster’s stores into five townhouses and two apartments for open market sale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

 Developer hands over keys to 135 of scheme’s first owners Amenity Club opens doors to residents with swimming pool & spa, gym, sports court, social spaces and cinema room Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has completed Phase 1 of Waterhouse Gardens, the £195m GDV scheme currently under construction on the site of the former Boddington’s brewery. Phase 1 comprises apartments and the scheme’s well-appointed amenities.  Keys to the first completed residences in Blocks C & D of the scheme have been handed over to owners – a combination of owner-occupiers and private landlords. These residents will be the first to enjoy some of the scheme’s extensive leisure and social facilities that are ready for use in the Amenity Club, including the 2,500-sqft gym, pool, sauna, cold plunge, steam room, and sports court, as well as extensive social spaces and games room, a private dining room, and a cinema room fitted out with luxury oversize sofa-style seating.  At full completion in Q1 2026, the regenerative scheme will comprise 556 apartments, 30,000 sq ft of commercial space and a fully private landscaped podium garden. Running through the scheme will be a new public avenue, designed to foster a vibrant sense of community. Simon Ismail, MD of Salboy, comments: “Watching a scheme’s first residents collect their keys, move into their homes, and start to enjoy the wide range of leisure and socialising facilities available at our Amenity Club is a hugely satisfying and motivating experience for everyone involved in the development process.  “We ensured that the quality of the social and leisure spaces Salboy has become known for in our other developments fed through to everything we built at Waterhouse Gardens. In doing so, we’ve raised the bar for what residents can expect from developments in this area just north of the city centre.”  “Waterhouse Gardens was specially designed to breathe new life into an unloved, underinvested part of central Manchester, and the people who would eventually call Waterhouse Gardens their home were right at the heart of that design process. Every facility, space and small detail was included with their convenience, enjoyment and satisfaction in mind. We look forward to seeing how Waterhouse Garden’s first residents take to the space as we keep moving at a fast pace to complete the entire scheme on time and on budget by early 2026.” Sales for both phases of the Waterhouse Gardens scheme remain ahead of targets. By early September  2025, 90% of Phase 1 apartments were sold, as were 65% in Phase 2. In May this year, Hamptons reported how the North West is outperforming all other regions in England and Wales for off-plan apartment sales, including London.* Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals