A new 139-home development in Watchet will bring a wide range of community benefits, including affordable homes, green spaces, and over £750,000 in local investment, homebuilder Edenstone has announced. Work is set to begin shortly at Underwood Gardens, located on land south of Doniford Road and Normandy Avenue, following reserved matters approval from Somerset Council in June last year. Chris Edge, operations director at Edenstone, said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes since our plans were approved and are now gearing up to start work on 139 new homes at Underwood Gardens in Watchet. Addressing local housing need, affordable housing will account for 35% of the development. There’ll be lots of open space for residents to enjoy as we’ll be creating two village greens, a hilltop park with play area, community orchard and seating areas looking towards the Quantock Hills and the Severn Estuary.” In addition to public open space, Edenstone will contribute more than £750,000 in community funding. Most of the money will go towards pre-school and primary education to support the area’s growing population, along with funds earmarked for travel plans. The affordable housing will include one- and two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom coach houses, and two- to four-bedroom family homes. These will be available through a registered social landlord for both intermediate and social rent. The development will also offer a wide mix of private sale homes, including 20 bungalows, making up more than a fifth of the private homes—two- to four-bedroom houses, and several properties equipped with electric vehicle charging points. Chris Edge added: “Bungalows are the rarest of new builds but will account for more than a fifth of our private sale properties in Watchet. The bungalows will be among the homes that will overlook the new hilltop park and existing woodland. This area will be carefully managed to protect and enhance its biodiversity and ecology, while giving the development a rural or garden suburb feel.” Designed with sensitivity to the character of the local area, the new homes will reference Watchet’s traditional materials and architectural style. A stone dressed hedge bank will mark the entrance, reflecting the area’s rural identity, while tree-lined streets and green corridors will weave through the development, creating a connected network of green spaces. Edenstone expects to release the first homes for off-plan sales this winter, with a show home opening in early 2026. Underwood Gardens will be Edenstone’s second development in Somerset, following the success of Eden’s Green in Bleadon. The company has additional Somerset sites in East Brent and West Huntspill set to launch later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new hybrid planning application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council (CDC) for the remaining residential development at Graven Hill. The original outline planning permission was granted in 2014. The new planning application seeks permission as follows: Hybrid planning application comprising: It has been prepared by Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) and its technical team, for the remainder of the development. It is called a hybrid planning application as it is both a full planning application for part of the site and an outline planning application for the remainder; apart from one small site adjacent to Anniversary Avenue East, where full planning permission is applied for 34 residential units, the application is in outline. There are currently up to 1,329 dwellings under the hybrid/outline, including the 34 applied for in full. An outline application does not determine the location, design or layout of each individual building, play areas or space, it simply seeks a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed. The application includes parameter plans and a masterplan; this is indicative and is subject to change as part of the subsequent Reserved Matters planning application processes for each phase. These later Reserved Matters applications will provide details on the appearance, means of access, landscaping, layout and scale. Extensive public consultations were held regarding the new hybrid application. These ran from November 2022 to February 2023, and during February 2024 and March 2024, culminating in consultation feedback in October and November 2024. As well as public events, respondents could review, comment and ask questions via an online portal. There were also presentations and meetings with CDC, Oxfordshire County Council, Create Streets, the Graven Hill Residents’ Association (GHRA) and the independently appointed team of experts on the Design South East design review panel. In order to respond to feedback received during this pre-application consultation process, updates have been made to the masterplan and a comprehensive Design Code accompanies the Design and Access Statement and establishes site-wide and street type character area design requirements. This Design Code provides a framework for the detailed design, materials, layout, scale, access and landscaping of development irrespective of the designer, or whether the housing is self-build, market or affordable housing. It also supports the Design Review Panel’s feedback that, while not over-restricting architectural freedom, it sets guidance and design requirements for how building lines, car parking, boundary treatments, landscaping, planting and trees should be coded. It is an extensive update to the previous Stage 1 document and includes: Other changes made to respond to feedback as the masterplan evolved included: Adrian Unitt, Managing Director of GHVDC, said: “We’ve welcomed the opportunity to engage with the local authority, GHRA, residents, Create Streets and the independent Design Review Panel.  The team has worked hard to respond to the feedback we’ve received through the design process, with LSH preparing a comprehensive Design Code. “This is an outline application which sets out key parameters for the remaining development rather than determining the detail and we look forward to further engagement through the application process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A striking new addition to Belfast’s waterfront is on the horizon, as Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC) move forward with plans for the latest phase of the City Quays development. Contractors are now being invited to express interest in the design and construction of City Quays 4 – a landmark 23-storey residential tower that will bring 256 apartments to the heart of the city. A formal contract notice has been published, marking the next step in the regeneration of Belfast’s historic docklands. The £50 million scheme will include a 12-storey adjoining element and boast a gross floor area of approximately 20,400 square metres (219,585 sq ft). The design features piled foundations and a reinforced in-situ concrete frame, complemented by glazed windows and external cladding to create a contemporary urban profile. Construction is slated to begin in February 2026, with completion targeted for November 2028. The procurement route will follow a two-stage novated design and build process, beginning with a nine-month pre-construction services agreement (PCSA), followed by a 24-month construction phase. City Quays, a £275 million regeneration initiative, has already delivered three Grade A office buildings – City Quays 1, 2 and 3 – reshaping Belfast’s waterfront with modern workspaces and public realm improvements. The introduction of residential development in phase four marks a major step towards a more mixed-use, vibrant city quarter. With this next tower, Belfast’s skyline – and its ambitions – continue to rise. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sale by strategic land promoter follows a complex five year planning process, which included two separate Public Inquiries by the Planning Inspectorate Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the sale of a 14.8 acres site with reserved matters planning permission for 96 homes at Rascals Farm in Southwater, West Sussex. The price was not disclosed. The site, located south of Southwater, will provide a range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes of various types (apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses). 35% of the homes will be affordable, of mixed type and tenure, with priority given to local residents or those with a local connection. The development will also feature a new large, open and informal public space for new and existing residents, with the existing grassland to be maintained and enhanced to support biodiversity. Detailed planning approval was secured following a 2024 Reserved Matters application for 96 homes, including the provision of an off-site water neutrality solution being approved at committee in August 2025. This innovative solution to water neutrality ensures that any new dwellings do not increase the rate of water abstraction for drinking water supplies, above existing levels. This followed an outline planning permission in August 2021, which Catesby secured after a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Horsham District Council had refused the 2020 application using delegated powers citing the principle of development, but this was overturned following a four day Public Inquiry, where the Planning Inspectorate agreed that the site had limited impact upon the wider landscape character and that the Council could only demonstrate a 4.2 year housing land supply. This was the first appeal decision in the District at that time which confirmed that the council could not demonstrate a five year supply of land for housing. A further Public Inquiry was held by the Planning Inspectorate into an application from a local resident to West Sussex County Council to register the land as a Town & Village Green, which would have protected the land from future development. Catesby robustly objected to the application resulting in a Public Inquiry being held in 2021. The report issued by the Inspector following the Inquiry found the applicant’s case had failed on all counts and should therefore be refused. Andy Wright, Associate Land Director at Catesby Estates, said: “We are very pleased that Barratt Redrow will be taking forward this site to deliver high quality new homes and public space for Southwater. This has been a particularly lengthy and complex planning process, with two Public Inquiries and engagement with planning officers at both the district & county level on multiple applications. Catesby was able to demonstrate the application complied with policy and draw on evidence that local housing supply was less than had been cited. We are very proud to have seen the application through to a successful conclusion on behalf of the landowner, and that much needed new homes and improved public space will now finally be delivered for the community.” Jack Allan, Land Director at Barratt Redrow, adds: “Barratt Redrow are delighted to have completed on the land at Rascals Farm, Southwater. It was a pleasure to work with Catesby Estates who were extremely pragmatic and quick at making decisions to allow a smooth transaction. Furthermore, the planning application they obtained is a testament to their in-house skills by presenting us with the ideal foundation to create a thriving community. “This site represents a great opportunity for the business to provide much needed high quality new homes in the area of Horsham. With this area being impacted by water neutrality in recent years, there has been a real lack of supply. However, Catesby were able to secure offsite mitigation meaning we are able to make a prompt start on site. We look forward to delivering a great scheme in Southwater and deliver the much needed market and affordable housing for the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Court Collaboration and Select Property, the strategic partners behind Edition Birmingham, one of the city’s most prestigious residential developments, have today announced a £127.5 million loan from Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy of Eldridge Capital Management. The loan from Eldridge Real Estate Credit follows existing funding for the project provided by PGIM to Court Collaboration. Funding will support the construction of the flagship 581-apartment scheme in the heart of Birmingham. The new debt facility provided by Eldridge Real Estate Credit is one of the largest fundings announced this year for a residential development outside London. Edition Birmingham, which is being sold and marketed by Select Property, is located off Centenary Square, close to the Library of Birmingham and the £1.2 billion Paradise scheme. It is a short walk away from Colmore Row, the heart of the city’s business district. The development’s one- and two-bed apartments are split between two connected towers of 46 storeys and 15 storeys. Midgard has been selected as the contractor on the development, which has already secured over £87 million in revenue through off-plan sales. Phase one is expected to be completed by 2027. Edition’s residents will have access to an unmatched range of wellness-led amenities and benefits. Alongside cutting-edge gym and spa facilities, residents will enjoy a 20-metre above-ground swimming pool with an accompanying hydro pool, plunge pool, sauna and steam room. Residents will also be able to relax at a sky lounge complete with private dining experiences on the 44th and 45th floors. The development also includes a premium co-working lounge, called The Study, and outdoor co-working space on a 14th-floor garden terrace. Other outdoor amenities include a 9,000 sq ft podium terrace with a cinema screen and a BBQ area that connects the two buildings. Eldridge Real Estate Credit invests in real estate credit opportunities throughout the US, UK and Europe, including construction, transitional, and special situation opportunities across the capital structure. The platform has originated over $10 billion in loans, leveraging an experienced team with a disciplined approach seeking to create long-term value. PGIM Real Estate, the real estate business of PGIM, one of the largest investment firms in the world, is also a financial partner to Edition Birmingham via its PRECap series, its flagship European high-yield debt strategy. Alex Neale, CEO of Court Collaboration, said: “This funding package from Eldridge, combined with our ongoing support and relationship with PGIM, is an endorsement of the quality of Edition. Our partners recognise that the development brings luxury living to the heart of Birmingham as the city centre benefits from over £1bn of investment over the coming years. With breaking ground expected soon and completion of phase one in 2027, there’s real momentum and excitement building around Edition and what it will bring to Birmingham.” Adam Price, CEO of Select Property, said: “I’m really pleased that our partners at Eldridge believe in the inherent investment opportunity Edition provides. Birmingham is on the rise, with significant investment in the city centre and a young and growing population that wants high-quality living in the heart of town. We’ve seen strong appetite from owner-occupiers and investors alike; something reflected in the large number of off-plan sales. All this underlines the prestige of Edition and the fact there is nothing else like it in Birmingham.” John Cole, Global Head of Real Estate Credit at Eldridge Capital Management, added: “The teams at Court Collaboration and Select Property have consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver and market high-quality, competitive residential offerings. With over 40% of units already sold, we believe Edition is well-positioned to capitalise on Birmingham’s continued growth, and we look forward to a strong and successful partnership.” Jesse Bostwick, Executive Director, European High Yield Debt Originations at PGIM Real Estate, commented: “Court Collaboration has proven to be a trusted partner and we’re excited to be working together on this project. Our PRECap strategy provides capital solutions including preferred equity and other flexible structures across the lending spectrum, which enables us to support projects in markets with strong fundamentals and unlock the potential of key central sites.” Court Collaboration was advised by Gateley Legal on the legal financing aspects of the transaction and by TRST on debt structuring. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans have been formally submitted for a major riverside regeneration project in Sunderland, with enabling works on the new Sheepfolds neighbourhood potentially starting as early as autumn. The hybrid planning application outlines proposals for up to 600 new homes, as well as commercial space and a car park, forming a key part of the city’s broader ambition to re-populate and revitalise its centre. Sheepfolds will become the most densely populated of the four emerging neighbourhoods within the Riverside Sunderland masterplan, located on the north side of the River Wear and connected to the city centre via the new Keel Crossing. Vistry Group, named as the council’s preferred development partner in May, is spearheading the plans. The hybrid application includes a detailed submission for the first phase of remediation works, which could begin in autumn 2025, with full housing construction targeted to start in early spring 2026. Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said:“There is a pace to the development programme in this city that sends a clear message to our residents that we deliver what we say we will. The works proposed within the planning application will prepare the site for the first phase of residential development, which will be located to the east of the neighbourhood, connecting the fantastic new Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy with the St Peter’s Metro station.” The Riverside Sunderland vision aims to regenerate 32 hectares of brownfield land, delivering 1,000 new homes across four communities, with Sheepfolds set to play a central role in shaping the area’s future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Pension Insurance Corporation (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, and Court Collaboration, a Birmingham specialist residential property developer, celebrated the Topping Out of the One Eastside development, which at 51 storeys is becoming the tallest building in Birmingham. PIC forward funded the £200 million One Eastside development and will own it for the long term. Court Collaboration is delivering the development. Once complete, PIC will use the rental income generated from the development to help pay the pensions of its policyholders. Almost 15,000 of these policyholders currently live in the West Midlands, and PIC has paid more than £1 billion in pensions in the region since 2012. PIC has also invested more than £900 million in the West Midlands to date, including in social housing, electrified rail, and the University of Birmingham. A number of PIC Policyholders were present at the celebration event. After breaking ground in March 2023, One Eastside is set to complete in 2026 and will feature 667 high-quality new homes for rent, with state-of-the-art co-working spaces and a range of amenities for residents, including a cinema room, sky lounge, and gym. Guests at the Topping Out ceremony were given a tour of the show apartments before heading up to the 150m-high sky terrace to take in the new views of the city and the quality of the amenities soon to be on offer. A celebratory lunch was also held at Birmingham Conservatoire. Rob Groves, Chief Investment Officer at PIC, said: “We are proud to have reached another milestone in our One Eastside development, with 140 of the total of 667 high-quality homes made available for rent in the heart of Birmingham. One Eastside will be the tallest building in the city and help pay the pensions of our policyholders for decades to come.” Alex Neale, Chief Executive Officer at Court Collaboration, added: “What a journey it’s been to reach this milestone for One Eastside. I couldn’t be prouder of the team or more grateful to our partners such as PIC, our main contractor Midgard, who have done – and are still doing – such an amazing job, and of course, Birmingham City Council. Only by genuinely working together with passion can we deliver these types of developments, and I’d like to thank everybody that joined us today to celebrate.” Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, also addressed guests at the event, highlighting the city’s ambitious regeneration agenda. She said, “Partnerships with forward-thinking local businesses like Court Collaboration are absolutely vital to our city’s continued growth and transformation. I want to thank Alex and his team, along with Pension Insurance Corporation, for sharing our vision for a more inclusive, dynamic, and economically resilient city. The topping out of this landmark development is not just a construction milestone, it’s a symbol of the momentum we’re building across Birmingham. From creating new homes and jobs to revitalising our urban spaces, this project reflects the kind of sustainable regeneration that will power our city’s future.” Also present at the Topping Out were members of the project team, including lead contractor Midgard, and representatives from Birmingham City University (BCU), including Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals