Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has secured planning approval for homes at its brand new Windsor Gate development, in Windsor, Berkshire. The development will comprise 135 energy efficient new homes, with 54 affordable homes, across the 13-acre site, and has a focus on enhancing biodiversity and sustainability. Each of the 117 homes will incorporate air source heat pumps, whilst the 18 apartments will utilise hot water heat pumps and electric panel heaters. Residents will benefit from landscaped open spaces that also provide a haven for wildlife, including a wildflower meadow, community allotments, three play areas and further informal play spaces. Additional features across the development include 50 bat bricks and 50 swift bricks in homes and apartment buildings, 10 bee homes, hedgehog highways, tree planting and attractive nature-based drainage features. The drainage features double up as informal recreational spaces, whilst providing ecological benefits and managing water during high rainfall events. With the build due to start in January 2024, the first completions are anticipated for July 2024. Nicholas Daruwalla, Land Director at Crest Nicholson South, comments: “We are pleased to have been granted planning permission to deliver much needed new homes in Windsor. The planning approval will enable us to provide a collection of new homes that meet local demand, and to continue our delivery of high-quality homes in sought after locations across the region. “As well as delivering much needed new homes and affordable housing, we are committed to creating sustainable communities, where residents benefit from access to greenspace and important amenities on their doorsteps, such as play areas.” Mark Kershaw, Group Head of Sustainability at Crest Nicholson, adds: “In line with our commitment to sustainability, we aim to make Windsor Gate a sustainable development for future generations. With a strong focus on community wellbeing, landscaped areas will provide recreational space while delivering a 14% biodiversity net gain. Carbon emissions from the use of the homes will be 76% lower than 2013 building regulations, supporting our customers to live a lower carbon lifestyle and contributing towards our target to be net zero across our value chain by 2045.” Philip Allin, Director at Boyer Planning, adds: “We are really pleased to have worked closely with both Crest Nicholson and planning officers at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council to achieve a positive outcome. We are sure that Windsor Gate will be a high-quality development, and one that will deliver on the aims and objectives of the Local Plan site allocation.” Situated on the edge of the historic market town of Windsor, in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, residents will have access to plenty of amenities and activities on their doorsteps. Within Windsor itself, there are numerous restaurants and pubs, including a royal-themed brewery, Windsor and Eaton Brewery, plus an array of independent shops. Windsor is an idyllic base for exploring the surrounding countryside, parks and gardens such as Windsor Great Park, activities on the River Thames, like paddleboarding, and Ascot and Royal Windsor Racecourses. Windsor benefits from excellent transport links, including direct trains into London from Windsor and Eaton Riverside in under an hour. The M4 is easily accessible, providing connections into London and beyond via links to the M25, M3 and M40. For more information, or to register your interest ahead of the launch, please call 01932 911 434 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/windsor-gate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
