Building services and engineering consultants FHP has celebrated the completion of a key phase of a £150 million residential development in London with a ‘topping out’ ceremony. The move sees the end of work on phase 3 of the Hallsville Quarter in Canning Town, which is a mix residential development
The latest research by Unlatch, the new homes sales progression and aftercare platform for developers and housebuilders, has revealed which local authorities have seen the highest level of house building when it comes to residential development as a percentage of total space available. Unlatch analysed each area of England based
Beresfords, an award-winning and family-run property management group, has announced the launch of six new homes developments across Essex this September. With a property value of £160 million, the properties range from luxury waterfront dwellings to rural family homes and well-appointed apartments. The portfolio includes 400 new homes, consisting of
Keepmoat Homes has recently celebrated the launch of its fifth phase at Spirit Quarters development in Coventry, consisting of a sales centre and show home, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, a development update and a tour of the newly built Caddington 3-bedroom showhome. The celebration was attended by the Lord
A leading housing association has signed a £100m+ contract to accelerate the number of low-carbon, factory-built homes it builds every year. Bromford has sealed a four-year contract with MMC developers ilke Homes Ltd and Hadley Group to provide hundreds of new homes across the West Midlands and West of England.
The Mayor of Havant, Cllr Diana Patrick, was the guest of honour at a new development on Hayling Island earlier this month. Cllr Patrick was invited to the Barratt Homes Pebble Walk on 4th August to lay a ceremonial brick on the foundations of the first plot being built at
Celebrating the handover of its first modular housing scheme in Wallasey, leading affordable housing provider, Torus, is marking the handover of its new 8-unit scheme at Oakdale Road. Expanding its use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Oakdale Road signifies a further £1.5 million investment in the use of greener,
Devonshire Homes has increased its existing revolving credit facility (RCF) from Lloyds Bank to £20 million to facilitate the housebuilder’s future growth plans. The privately-owned housebuilder is currently active on five West Country sites, with a further four additional sites in the region acquired within the last three months.
Bellway has been given the go-ahead to build 175 new homes in the Whitehouse area of Milton Keynes. The housebuilder has secured planning permission to deliver the new homes at a development to be known as Bellway at Whitehouse Park, with approval for its detailed plans given by Milton Keynes
Seventeen modular low-carbon homes are to be built in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex – nine of which will be for affordable rent or shared ownership. The homes have already been manufactured offsite in Dorset by offsite building specialists Rollalong and they will be transported and installed
Building services and engineering consultants FHP has celebrated the completion of a key phase of a £150 million residential development in London with a ‘topping out’ ceremony. The move sees the end of work on phase 3 of the Hallsville Quarter in Canning Town, which is a mix residential development consisting of 620 units across four blocks and varying in storey heights from nine to 14 floor levels. Part of a wider £3.7bn urban regeneration programme, the Hallsville Quarter is a new £600m town centre for Canning Town being created in conjunction with Linkcity, Newham London Borough Council and other project partners. It’s part of an ambitious project by the main contractor Bouygues UK that aims to regenerate and transform the broader East London area. Completion of phase III will also deliver a range of new healthcare facilities and provide 378sq. m of new offices, over 1,500 sq. m of leisure and community space, 259 car parking spaces and extra public spaces and landscaped gardens. FHP has provided a comprehensive range of mechanical, electrical design and plumbing (MEP) 3D Revit services for RIBA Stages 2 – 6 of the scheme. This has involved design work to ensure the building and its occupiers will benefit from the highest levels of air quality and reduced levels of noise. Heating and domestic hot water for the building will be provided from the already completed first phase of the development, through an intermediate plate heat exchanger sub-station located in the building’s basement to serve all blocks. Each building was constructed using Bouygues continental frame method with all party walls and external façade being formed in reinforced concrete, and as such the small power and heating services having to be imbedded within the concrete structure. As the project was designed in 3D Revit, FHP was able to provide construction setting out information early in the design and build process with the knowledge that all imbedded services and recessed outlets were in the correct position at the time of the concrete pour. The topping out ceremony was attended by FHP managing director Tony Hewitt along with the developer Linkcity and its main stakeholders One Housing Group and Grainger, and Hawkins Brown Architects, Sweco Structures and the Bouygues construction team – marking the final stages of major construction work on a building due to fully open in 2024. Tony Hewitt said: “We are delighted to celebrate this topping out milestone for the Hallsville Quarter development. We are proud to serve as building consultants on the project from concept to completion for this complex project. It showcases the best of workplace design and the knowledge and understanding, which spans both buildings and the design and construction process, that we can bring to flagship projects.”
The latest research by Unlatch, the new homes sales progression and aftercare platform for developers and housebuilders, has revealed which local authorities have seen the highest level of house building when it comes to residential development as a percentage of total space available. Unlatch analysed each area of England based on the total land area in hectares and what percentage of this land area has been attributed to developed use for residential properties. The research shows that the nation’s grand total land area is estimated to cover almost 13.3m hectares. Just 152,380 hectares of this land is also estimated to have been utilised for developed residential use, equating to just 1.1% of total land area. In the majority of regions this land usage for residential development remains fairly consistent with the national average, with the South West home to the lowest level at 0.7%. Outside of London, the North West and South East are home to the highest levels at 1.4%, but in the capital itself, this climbs to 10.1%. No surprise then, that the capital’s boroughs account for the most built up property markets in the nation. In Kensington and Chelsea, 22.3% of the borough’s total land area has been utilised for residential development. Islington isn’t far behind, where a fifth of the borough has been developed for residential homes, with Lambeth (18.2%), Hackney (17.6%) and Hammersmith and Fulham (17.4%) also ranking amongst the highest. Outside of London, Luton is the most developed local authority with respect to residential properties, accounting for 10.1% of total land area, followed by Leicester (10%), Blackpool (9.8%), Watford (9.8%) and Worthing (9.6%). The least developed area? Eden, where land developed for residential use sits at just 268 hectares, 0.1% of the area’s total land area. At 0.2%, Ryedale, Richmondshire, Craven, West Devon and Northumberland are also some of the least developed areas where residential property is concerned. Lee Martin, Head of UK for Unlatch says: “There seems to be a common misconception amongst the public that the nation is bursting at the seams when it comes to the number of homes already built and that we simply have no available land left to address the current housing crisis. This simply isn’t the case and, in fact, land utilised for residential development currently accounts for just over one per cent of the nation’s total land area. Of course, in major urban areas, this percentage is far higher, particularly in London, where the demand for housing is greater due to a larger population. However, in some areas, residential development accounts for a tiny fraction of total land available and it’s ironically in these areas where current homeowners are often most passionately against the construction of new homes.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here.
Beresfords, an award-winning and family-run property management group, has announced the launch of six new homes developments across Essex this September. With a property value of £160 million, the properties range from luxury waterfront dwellings to rural family homes and well-appointed apartments. The portfolio includes 400 new homes, consisting of one and two-bedroom apartments and three, four and five-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses. The prices for the developments in Chelmsford, Felstead, Braintree and Hullbridge range from £685,000 to £800,000. “It’s been an incredibly exciting time for the new homes team at Beresfords, as we launch six new developments to market. We’re seeing the demand for new housing continuing to rise across the County, as buyers look to make purchases now, while the new homes market remains steady, ready to move in next year. Each development is unique and will provide quality homes in fantastic locations across Essex,” commented Aaron Breakwell, Director of New Homes and Land at Beresfords Group. Among the six developments are Birkett Hall Gardens in Woodham Ferrers, an attractive village in the heart of the picturesque Essex countryside. The development has great connections to the city of Chelmsford and London and it is the perfect choice for families looking to relocate. Another unique development is Scholars Green, located in the village of Felstead. Comprising 28 homes, the neighbourhood is surrounded by trees to create a rural and peaceful environment that benefits from private access. Similarly, Wildflower Meadow offers a tranquil collection of ten traditional and contemporary modern homes just outside the rural village of Braintree. As part of the two exclusive developments is Grayling Park, consisting of ten homes nestled into a corner of Little Waltham which is situated on the outskirts of Broomfield, close to the village and Chelmsford’s mainline railway station. The second is Waltham Grange, a gated collection of ten outstanding homes in Blasford Hill, providing an oasis of peaceful, luxurious living. As well as the new homes, a collection of 14 waterfront properties with private gardens and roof terraces sit at Kingsmans Point on the outskirts of Hullbridge with views of the River Crouch. Following a successful period of growth for Beresfords Group, the influx of new housing will further help to generate an economic boost for Essex, attracting more people to the area including those living in London looking to relocate. Beresfords Group will be holding open days at the developments between Saturday 10 September and Saturday 1 October. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Keepmoat Homes has recently celebrated the launch of its fifth phase at Spirit Quarters development in Coventry, consisting of a sales centre and show home, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, a development update and a tour of the newly built Caddington 3-bedroom showhome. The celebration was attended by the Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr Maton, Coventry North East MP Colleen Fletcher, local residents, Citizen and Moat House Community Trust. “It was a pleasure to attend the launch of Keepmoat Homes’ ribbon cutting ceremony in the latest phase of development, celebrating the launch of its new showhome and sales centre. The new ‘Spirit Quarters’ housing really enhances the local community and is a great asset to Coventry, and we look forward to welcoming the new residents to the area,” commented Lord Mayor of Coventry, and Henley Ward Councillor, Cllr Maton. Based on Milverton Road, Coventry, the new Spirit Quarters development will feature 96 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes built in partnership with Citizen, of which 20 will be created as affordable housing. Ideal for first-time buyers, growing families and those seeking more space and flexibility, Spirit Quarters is a vibrant and modern community which comes complete with a school, green open spaces and fantastic leisure facilities. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have entered this next phase of the Spirit Quarters development, and celebrate the opening of our sales centre and showhome with our notable guests and partners was the perfect way to mark the occasion,” said Charlotte Goode, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “Spirit Quarters is more than a housing development, it’s a community in which our residents can enjoy both a relaxing and active lifestyle. We encourage those looking to get on the housing ladder to book a viewing of our beautiful new showhome and experience for themselves the standout features that Spirit Quarters has to offer.” “It was absolutely fantastic to see the new homes and we look forward to welcoming the new residents of these homes to our community,” added Janet Barrett, local resident and Trustee Board member of Moat House Community Trust. Kevin Roach, Director of Regeneration at Citizen, concluded with: “This phase of the Spirit Quarters regeneration programme will hit the milestone of 1,000 new homes being built and will continue the remarkable transformation of the area. All of this couldn’t have been achieved without the continued support of the local community and our Partners; Keepmoat Homes, Moat House Community Trust and Coventry City Council”. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
A leading housing association has signed a £100m+ contract to accelerate the number of low-carbon, factory-built homes it builds every year. Bromford has sealed a four-year contract with MMC developers ilke Homes Ltd and Hadley Group to provide hundreds of new homes across the West Midlands and West of England. The first homes to be delivered as part of the partnerships will be a 28-home zero carbon development in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire delivered through Bromford’s in-house construction team and ilke Homes. The units are due to be installed in the spring of 2023 over an 8-week period. They will come equipped with air source heat pumps and solar panels that, when combined, will reduce operational emissions – such as those generated from utilities such as heating and electricity – by 100 percent. Plans for the scheme were approved by Cotswold District Council in February. High levels of energy-efficiency – achieved by increased air tightness and the use of low-carbon technologies – will translate into huge cost savings for Bromford’s customers, at a time when the annual energy price cap is predicted to be raised to more than £3,000 in October. Development and asset management innovation lead Mike Craggs said: “Providing affordable homes that are cheaper to run and heat is going to be increasingly important for our customers and these partnerships will allow us to make sure the homes that are provided of the highest, EPC-A standard. We’re thrilled to have signed these contracts with ilke Homes and Hadley Group to become our main providers of MMC homes for the years ahead, and are looking forward to work starting on our first development in Gloucestershire. “Utilising modern methods of construction is key to us delivering the number of affordable, energy efficient homes we are aiming to build during the next five years. Starting with 50 homes in the first year of the contract, we will increase this to up to 200 homes a year by 2025 and are looking forward to getting started on our first site later this year.” Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, said: “ilke Homes are increasingly becoming a partner of choice for housing associations looking to scale up the delivery of energy-efficient, affordable housing. Much like many councils and housing associations across the country, Bromford and Cotswold District Council understand the role MMC have to play in enhancing the build quality of homes and their ability to speed up construction programmes. We look forward to working closely with all delivery partners to bring this scheme forward.” Ben Towe, group managing director at Hadley Group said: “Hadley Group is delighted to be a Bromford Homes delivery partner for new modular home where better efficiency delivers greater affordability for everyone. The housing crisis is not only about more homes, but also about better performance of those homes so they cost less to heat, light, helping people out of fuel poverty.” Paul Nicoll, director of advanced methods of construction (AMC) added: “Bromford have taken the initiative by selecting Hadley HOME as a delivery partner and we are excited that together we can develop more homes faster than before by embracing modular. Bromford will achieve the highest EPC rating, benefiting both the environment through efficiency and reducing the cost of living for those living and working from home.” In 2021 Bromford was named one of Homes England’s strategic partners, securing £240m to develop new homes, 25% of which have to utilise modern methods of construction. Bromford is one of the biggest builders of affordable housing in the country, completing 1,224 homes in the past financial year. For the past two years it has been the biggest builder of social rent homes* and aims to develop more than 7,000 homes over the next five years.
The Mayor of Havant, Cllr Diana Patrick, was the guest of honour at a new development on Hayling Island earlier this month. Cllr Patrick was invited to the Barratt Homes Pebble Walk on 4th August to lay a ceremonial brick on the foundations of the first plot being built at the new site, which is bringing 195 new homes to the Island. Donning her hard had and high vis jacket, the mayor was introduced to the new development by Barratt Homes Finance Director, Glen O’Nion, and was delighted to have the privilege of marking the start of construction in the popular coastal location. Cllr Patrick said: “It’s great to see this brand-new community coming to Hayling Island. This is a wonderful location, and the development will be delivering a mix of high-quality homes that the region desperately needs. “I’m delighted to have been given the responsibility of laying the first brick of the very first home being built here, and I’m looking forward to seeing things progress in the coming weeks and months.” Tammy Bishop, Sales Director for Barratt Homes, Southampton Division, said: “It has been wonderful to welcome the Mayor of Havant to our new community here on Hayling Island. The construction team were especially impressed with her bricklaying skills. “Pebble Walk will be officially launching this Autumn and with buyers already eager to secure a new home here, we are selling off-plan from our neighbouring Saxon Corner site in Emsworth.” Pebble Walk will be a collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes located just a mile from the beach. There is a great choice of local schools, shops and restaurants close by, and the development is just a short drive to the nearby cities of Portsmouth and Chichester. To find out more about Pebble Walk, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.
Celebrating the handover of its first modular housing scheme in Wallasey, leading affordable housing provider, Torus, is marking the handover of its new 8-unit scheme at Oakdale Road. Expanding its use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Oakdale Road signifies a further £1.5 million investment in the use of greener, more sustainable technologies and Torus’ commitment to become a more eco-friendly developer. All eight bungalows at Oakdale Road were built off site and are available via Affordable Rent and are built to meet net zero carbon standards, featuring PV Solar Roof Panels, an Air Source Heat Pump with an EPC rating of ‘A’ – the first of its kind built by Torus with contractor Starship. Completed in less than a year, Oakdale Road highlights the importance of utilising less traditional methods of construction to regenerate disused sites to create high quality, modern homes quickly. Embedding this technology will also benefit future residents by lowering their energy consumption and ultimately bills – something that has never been so important for many in Torus communities. Discussing the completion of Oakdale Road, Director of Development & Sales Steve Alcock, said: “As a social investor, we’re committed to ensuring all homes we build are not only affordable, but actively contribute to addressing key issues impacting our local communities, region and the country as a whole. Oakdale Road is the first Torus scheme that is completely carbon neutral but is certainly not the last. “As we progress on our journey to net zero emissions, this development will form the blueprint for how we continue to use MMC intelligently to not only fix the national housing crisis but reduce our impact on the environment to create more sustainable developments and we’re thrilled to have worked with Starship to create such an innovative scheme.” Chris Moores, Development Director at Starship, commented: “It’s been great working with the team at Torus to deliver what is a truly innovative, next generation development for their residents. We are always working to push the boundaries in creating the lowest carbon living standards possible for our customers and we are looking forward to working with Torus in the future on more game changing homes.” After visiting the development, Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said, “It’s fantastic to see such a ground-breaking development in Wirral, which not only provides much-needed bungalows for affordable rent, but also incorporates sustainable technologies to minimise carbon emissions and help residents keep their fuel bills as low as possible.”
Devonshire Homes has increased its existing revolving credit facility (RCF) from Lloyds Bank to £20 million to facilitate the housebuilder’s future growth plans. The privately-owned housebuilder is currently active on five West Country sites, with a further four additional sites in the region acquired within the last three months. Devonshire Homes has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Lloyds Bank since 2016 and this newly extended finance facility supersedes its previous arrangement with Lloyds Bank that was announced in February 2022. Devonshire Homes has been building homes across the West Country since 1992 and the new RCF will accelerate the housebuilder’s expansion plans to double turnover and deliver 400 homes per annum by 2026. Angus Cook, Managing Director at Devonshire Homes, commented: “This marks another important milestone for Devonshire Homes and we are delighted to have agreed this new £20million facility with our long-term and supportive banking partners at Lloyds Bank. “Devonshire Homes is on a significant growth trajectory and this new RCF helps cement our position as an established and ambitious developer in the South West. It provides us with the flexibility to continue to acquire and establish new sites to deliver high-quality homes to people who need them. “This new agreement comes at the perfect time. As a privately-owned housebuilder, our ability to make swift decisions with landowners has been the cornerstone of a string of recent land acquisitions in this last quarter. And now with this extended financing secured to support our business growth objectives, we are keen to build on the momentum; to build our land bank, further strengthen all areas of the business and are very much looking forward to the future.” Paul Collings, Relationship Director at Lloyds Banking Group, commented: “Sustainability has become more of a priority than ever for homeowners, so it’s great to see Devonshire Homes bring forward greener homes, provide energy solutions to help reduce household costs and ultimately help futureproof properties for generations to come. “We’re proud to back Devonshire Homes and its long-term commitment to providing sustainable housing for the West Country. We will continue to be by the side of local businesses as they accelerate their environmental ambitions and help the South West to reach its net zero goals.” Independent housebuilder Devonshire Homes has been creating new homes and communities in towns and rural areas across the South West for 30 years. The housebuilder specialises in providing homes which reflect the traditional characteristics and building styles of the region combined with high specification, contemporary interiors. Current developments include: Tarka View, Crediton; Applegate Park, Kingsbridge; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey and Gwallon Keas, St. Austell with The Grange, Bideford, launching this autumn. For more information, visit www.devonshirehomes.co.uk.
Bellway has been given the go-ahead to build 175 new homes in the Whitehouse area of Milton Keynes. The housebuilder has secured planning permission to deliver the new homes at a development to be known as Bellway at Whitehouse Park, with approval for its detailed plans given by Milton Keynes Council on Tuesday 19 July. The development, which will be on two parcels of land off Watling Street, will consist of 122 new homes for private sale and 53 affordable properties for local people through rent or shared ownership. Luke Southgate, Sales Director of Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “We have worked closely with Milton Keynes Council to ensure that our detailed plans for these 175 new homes meet the needs of local people. “We are very keen to get on with this exciting project and aim to begin groundworks at the end of the month, with a view to releasing the first homes for sale in the autumn. At the development, we will be building two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses to suit a wide range of purchasers, including first-time buyers, growing families and people downsizing. “As well as providing new homes for private sale, the development will also deliver a selection of 53 affordable properties to allow local people to live in new homes in the area and stay close to their family, friends and places of work.” Bellway has plans to build a total of 452 new homes at Bellway at Whitehouse Park across five plots of land acquired from L&Q last year. Whitehouse Park is part of the Western Expansion Area in Milton Keynes, which is scheduled to deliver a total of 6,500 new homes. Outline planning consent was given for this project in 2007. Luke said: “At Bellway Northern Home Counties we have our divisional headquarters in Milton Keynes and feel a real connection to the town. We are proud to be playing a key role in the ambitious scheme to deliver thousands of much-needed new homes to Milton Keynes. “These 175 new homes represent the first phase of Bellway’s plans to deliver a total of 452 new homes at Whitehouse Park. This is evidence of our ongoing commitment to try to meet the growing demand for new housing in this increasingly popular location.” More information about the new homes coming soon at Bellway at Whitehouse Park is available at https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/northern-home-counties/bellway-at-whitehouse-park.
Seventeen modular low-carbon homes are to be built in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex – nine of which will be for affordable rent or shared ownership. The homes have already been manufactured offsite in Dorset by offsite building specialists Rollalong and they will be transported and installed on site in the autumn. The site on land south of Heather Close in West Ashling near Chichester is allocated for housing development in the South Downs Local Plan. Planning permission for the development was granted by the Planning Committee for the National Park Authority, following a Planning Committee meeting in October 2020. West Ashling will be a flagship land-led development and Rollalong’s first on behalf of its parent company, the Newship Group, which owns a number of packaging, construction, manufacturing and premium hire businesses. “Modular offsite construction has many benefits compared to traditional builds: it’s faster and less disruptive, it guarantees quality and it reduces costs,” said Steve Chivers, Managing Director of Rollalong. “Modular buildings are precision-engineered in tightly controlled factory conditions and adhere to a ‘right first time’ philosophy, which results in a high-quality, consistent product time after time. “We’re excited to be working on Newship Group’s first land-led housing development and we’re looking forward to breaking ground on the site.” Jamie Turpin, Construction and Development Director at Newship Group, said: “West Ashling is a great rural residential scheme and the perfect development opportunity we’ve been seeking to combine our current ideal blend of scale and location. “There has long been a shortage of modest new homes in the favoured western sector of Chichester and the addition of 17 new homes will help support the local housing needs. “We are currently working closely with South Downs National Park Authority to fine-tune the sustainable approach on construction, material selection, drainage strategy and hard/soft landscaping designs. We look forward to getting the scheme under way in the coming months.”
