Residential : House Builders & Developers News
Winvic tops out Birmingham BTR development

Winvic tops out Birmingham BTR development

Winvic Construction and its client Edmond de Rothschild has celebrated the topping out of a 406-apartment build-to-rent project on Kent Street in the centre of Birmingham. To mark the occasion, one of the final sections of concrete was poured – an upstand to an automatic opening vent on the seventeenth-storey

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Bold plans submitted to reawaken Silvertown site

Bold plans submitted to reawaken Silvertown site

A major new planning application for the Silvertown site in the London Borough of Newham has been submitted following an extensive consultation process with local residents and businesses. With a bold character founded in the industrial heritage of this historic part of London, this diverse neighbourhood will feature around 6,500

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Building begins at Lovell Partnerships' new Spennymoor development

Building begins at Lovell Partnerships’ new Spennymoor development

WORK has begun to build a new 124-home development in the former mining town of Spennymoor, County Durham, marking continued growth in the North East region for leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships.  The development will offer a selection of two, three, and four-bedroom new homes to suit a range of

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Wates to build new homes in Barking and Dagenham

Wates to build new homes in Barking and Dagenham

Wates was selected by Be First to develop over 330 new homes in Barking and Dagenham, as part of an £874 million regeneration of the Gascoigne Estate. This will be the third project Wates has undertaken for Be First in the area, having recently completed 201 homes at Gascoigne West

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Muir Homes purchases land for homes in Midlothian

Muir Homes purchases land for homes in Midlothian

Family-run Scottish housebuilder, Muir Homes, has purchased land with planning permission to build high-quality family homes at its first development in Midlothian. The new site is in Pathhead, a popular community close to Dalkeith. The site is allocated for housing in the Midlothian Local Development Plan and extends over 6.9

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148 energy-efficient homes and significant community investment for Coventry

148 energy-efficient homes and significant community investment for Coventry

Coventry is set to benefit from 148 new affordable homes and substantial community investment delivered in partnership between leading housing provider, Stonewater and Countryside, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer. Planning has been approved to provide much-needed, affordable and energy-efficient homes on Elm Fields Farm. With the world’s attention firmly placed

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Residential : House Builders & Developers News

Winvic tops out Birmingham BTR development

Winvic tops out Birmingham BTR development

Winvic Construction and its client Edmond de Rothschild has celebrated the topping out of a 406-apartment build-to-rent project on Kent Street in the centre of Birmingham. To mark the occasion, one of the final sections of concrete was poured – an upstand to an automatic opening vent on the seventeenth-storey roof of Block A – and finished by the investment house’s leadership team and Winvic’s Director of Multi-room, Mark Jones. The project, which comprises 154 one-bedroom, 228 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom apartments is on the former site of the Kent Street Swimming Baths. Winvic began the enabling works in April 2021 and construction works commenced in August 2021. Contained by roads on all sides, the compact site has seen the reinforced concrete slip formed cores and frames rise to seven, eight, 10 and 18 storeys since then. The 10-storey tower is on the corner of Gooch Street and Kent Street and the tallest block – which also has a basement car park for 95 vehicles – is on the corner Bromsgrove Street and Henstead Street. Works to the roofs as well as the Steel Frame System and window installations are over halfway through their programmes across the whole project. The Winvic team is also focusing on the façade to Block D – where brick slip panels are being installed – and internal fit out to Blocks D, A and C including partitions, first fix mechanical and electrical works and the plant room. The scheme will also feature green roofs, a ground floor commercial space, shared resident amenity areas and a landscaped central courtyard with community hub. Winvic is scheduled to hand over the scheme in 2024. Mark Jones, Winvic’s Director of Multi-room, said: “It’s particularly rewarding to reach the topping out stage of a RC Framed building and we were delighted to be able to celebrate this important milestone with our client and the funders. We’ve been working as one team with Edmond de Rothschild to ensure progress is on track and the people of Birmingham will now start to see the brick slip façade envelop the buildings. I’d like to thank our team for their hard work to get to this stage. Everyone is looking forward to a productive year and final push to completion in 2024.” Tim Holden, Edmond de Rothschild – REIM Head of Residential UK – added: “We are delighted to be developing 400 apartments for Build-to-rent in Birmingham in partnership with Winvic. This scheme is an important project in our 2,600-unit portfolio. Working with Winvic is always a good experience and the topping out is an important milestone. We look forward to reaching practical completion so that our in-house lettings and property management service can begin to let and manage this exciting place-making scheme in the centre of Birmingham. I would like to thank our investors for participating in this project and the project team that’s bringing this landmark project to fruition.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Leicestershire architects masterplan new homes development in Whetstone, Leicester

Leicestershire architects masterplan new homes development in Whetstone, Leicester

Work is now underway at IMA Architects’ designed Jessup Partnerships’ scheme that will deliver 49 new homes. IMA Architects (IMA), an award-winning architectural firm based on Lutterworth Road in Blaby, Leicester, has partnered with Jessup Partnerships on a new housing scheme that will deliver 49 new homes in Whetstone. Work is now underway at the site, located on Cambridge Road. When completed, the development will consist of a range of one-bedroom apartments and maisonettes as well as two-and-three-bedroom houses. The project comes as a result of the continued high demand for smaller new homes in this area of Leicester. Previously a brownfield site in the form of a car park, the scheme will transform the land into a residential hub that’s aesthetically pleasing, attracting new families, and working professionals to the area. Once complete, the new buildings will have feature brickwork panels on the front of each property, elevating the design to create an attractive place to live. Working closely with Jessup Partnerships, IMA will provider architecture services, act as the principal designer and masterplan the entire site.  Speaking on the new scheme, Jack Mellor, IMA’s Senior Architectural Technician, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside leading affordable homes provider Jessup Partnerships to deliver high-quality affordable homes for small families, first-time buyers and working professionals alike. By combining innovative design with cost-effective solutions, this scheme will facilitate the creation of stylish dwellings that are also practical and affordable.” Giovanni Corbo, Head of Development and Technical at Jessup Partnerships said: “The Cambridge Road scheme will bring much needed new homes to Whetstone and we are pleased to have now broken ground on site.” “IMA have a proven track record in delivering housing projects across the East Midlands and we are pleased to have partnered with them. Our combined expertise will ensure Cambridge Road is a great place for Whetstone residents for years to come.” IMA is an award-winning firm of architects based in Blaby, Leicestershire. The firm, which celebrated its 25 Anniversary earlier this year, has completed more than 200 projects nationally and is actively working on 75 large-scale projects across the UK, Ireland and further afield. IMA works across all sectors and with a range of FTSE 100 companies – such as Marks & Spencer – as well as global brands including an international discount supermarket retailer. The company is a proud Community Partner of Leicester City Football Club and a sponsorship partner of both Leicester Tigers RFC and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BRITISH LAND ANNOUNCES SPRING RESIDENTIAL LAUNCH FOR CANADA WATER WITH FIRST LOOK IMAGERY OF THE FOUNDING

British Land announces Spring residential launch for Canada Water with first look imagery of the Founding

The Founding at Canada Water, a collection of homes set amongst 160 acres of woodlands and parks, bordered by docks and waterways, will launch in spring 2023. The apartments at The Founding – featuring carefully curated, bespoke interiors designed by Conran and Partners – form part of British Land’s once in a generation development project in Zone 2 of south-east London, which is set to deliver a total of 3,000 new net zero homes by 2030, and a vibrant destination for all to live, work, play and relax.  A range of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will be available within The Founding, with panoramic views across London from floor to ceiling windows and private balconies. The upcoming launch of The Founding presents the first chance to purchase a new apartment at Canada Water and an opportunity to be part of the area’s incredible growth story. Alongside the new homes, British Land’s plans include upwards of two million sq ft of office space for an estimated 20,000 workers, and one million sq ft of leisure, cultural and educational facilities. Recent research carried out by British Land sought to understand Londoners’ priorities when it comes to where they choose to live, with three-quarters (74%) ranking proximity to amenities, such as local shops and businesses, as their top priority while 70% of Londoners want to have green space and parks close to home. Canada Water more than delivers on both fronts. Emma Cariaga, Head of Residential and Co-Head of Canada Water at British Land, comments: “The launch of The Founding in spring marks the start of the next exciting chapter in Canada Water’s rejuvenation. The apartments are in a prime location within the wider scheme, minutes from Canada Water station, overlooking Canada Dock and positioned at the start of Canada Water’s new high street. These three elements represent the key appeal of Canada Water, an area that is surrounded by green space and water, yet moments from central London.” Alex Carr, director within JLL’s residential development team comments: “As demand has shifted towards the ’15-minute city’ concept – where green spaces, employment hubs, retail, restaurants and education are all situated within close proximity – the vision of the Canada Water masterplan, alongside the launch of the first residential phase in 2023, is highly anticipated. People are becoming increasingly convenience-led and therefore drawn to the idea of living in an evolving neighbourhood that is well-connected with easy access to transport, not to mention in a development that is well equipped with residents’ amenities. As a result, we expect high interest levels in The Founding, which meets a lot of these requirements. “New builds have continued to prove popular in 2022, with annual reservations up by 10% on the same period in 2021. As Canada Water continues to mature, we expect applicants (for homes to buy and rent) in the SE16 area to rise.” The marketing suite is open by appointment only from February. For further information and to register interest visit: www.thefounding.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HOUSEBUILDER UNVEILS VISION TO TACKLE CLIMATE EMERGENCY WHILE CREATING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Housebuilder unveils vision to tackle climate emergency while creating sustainable communities

A sustainable housebuilder has set out its vision for the future – and how it will help tackle climate change and promote biodiversity in the communities it builds. Cora, based in Northamptonshire, has released its new Sustainability Report, setting out clear targets on cutting emissions and construction waste, nature stewardship, social responsibility and reducing its carbon footprint. Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora, said: “This is a very exciting time at the company. “Last year the company underwent a complete rebrand and we developed our new Sustainable Building Framework, our new vision for the future. “This new Sustainability Report shows some of the progress we have already made and sets out what we want to achieve in the years ahead. “We want to be at the forefront of tackling the climate emergency and building sustainable, environmentally-conscious communities and hope other companies in our sector do the same.” The company has current sites in Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire. The report reveals that last year more than 96% of Cora’s construction waste was diverted from landfill – a total of almost 375 tonnes – while in the office, 3.48 tonnes of paper was recycled. Of the 106 new homes that it delivered in the last financial year, 78% were EPC rated A or B – approximately 40% more energy efficient than existing housing stock in England. The company has also joined the UN’s Race to Zero campaign, pledging to halve its greenhouse emissions by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050, and is committed to voluntarily reporting its annual carbon emissions. Over the next two years, Cora aims to increase its affordable housing provision to more than 50%, reflecting the business’ growing social ambitions. Cora is also pushing ahead with research into modern methods for off-site construction with the aim of reducing its carbon footprint and harmful emissions even further. Mr Simmons added: “Sustainability and climate responsibility is at the heart of everything we do at Cora, and I am very proud of the progress we have already made. “We are committed to achieving our goals – to help combat the climate emergency and provide families with energy efficient, climate-resistant homes in sustainable, biodiverse communities.” Cora has recently been shortlisted in the SME of the Year category at the prestigious Edie Awards, the UK’s largest awards celebrating sustainability and climate leadership. For more information on Cora and its Sustainability Report, visit https://cora.uk/about-us/sustainability/impactreport2022/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bold plans submitted to reawaken Silvertown site

Bold plans submitted to reawaken Silvertown site

A major new planning application for the Silvertown site in the London Borough of Newham has been submitted following an extensive consultation process with local residents and businesses. With a bold character founded in the industrial heritage of this historic part of London, this diverse neighbourhood will feature around 6,500 new homes with 50% affordable housing, alongside a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks. Submitted by The Silvertown Partnership, striking designs for the 50-acre site show how the iconic Millennium Mills building, left derelict and largely disused for around 40 years, will be fully restored and form the centrepiece of the new community. The £3.5bn development will embrace its dockside location and over 5 acres of water will be central to the new neighbourhood, with canal walkways, a paddle board club and new bridges providing far greater access to the water and a closer connection with nature.  Situated within London’s only Enterprise Zone, the London Plan identifies the site as one of the largest regeneration opportunities in the capital and the development is predicted to contribute between £76m-£90m per year to London’s economy, with the vast majority of this expected to be in the Newham area. The plans reveal ambitions to make Silvertown a hub of new industry, featuring over 780,000 square feet of next generation work and creative spaces in the refurbished Millennium Mills buildings and surrounding employment quarter, equivalent to 13 times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral, alongside provision for additional future flexible workspace and makerspace. Silvertown is expected to become a new cultural hub for the Royal Docks, with brand-new arts and leisure facilities, cafés, restaurants and bars providing residents and visitors a place to unwind and be entertained. New public squares will play host to cultural events while green spaces will provide access to nature and encourage walking, running and cycling across the site. The newly opened Custom House Elizabeth Line Station will also provide a convenient transport link for residents, workers and visitors just 15 minutes from central London. Silvertown will deliver significant opportunities for local people and create more than 10,000 jobs, making the site somewhere to celebrate East London’s pioneering past and brighter-than-ever future. It’s estimated that more than 1,300 people per year will be involved in construction of the site, with a target of 25 per cent of those to come directly from the London Borough of Newham. In addition there will be a mix of apprenticeships and paid work experience opportunities available. Extensive new community facilities are also proposed that will include healthcare, nursery and community spaces, as well as a brand-new primary school. The new neighbourhood will also be one of London’s greenest, with all homes and commercial spaces supplied with hot water and heating powered through a zero-carbon district heating system. The Silvertown Partnership is seeking full planning permission for phase one of the Proposed Development, which will include 1,248 new homes, including 610 affordable homes, and 82,328 sqm new commercial space. Outline permission is sought for the remainder of the site. The Silvertown Partnership, which includes Lendlease, an international real estate and investment group, is working in conjunction with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Homes England and The Guinness Partnership (TGP). Prior + Partners are the lead consultant for the hybrid planning application and masterplanners for the whole Silvertown site. Architects working on various plots within the site include AHMM, dRMM, Pollard Thomas Edwards, Maccreanor Lavington, and Gort Scott with OMMX, with Arup on transport, AECOM on infrastructure and EIA and Energy Strategy, and SLA and Churchman Thornhill Finch on landscape. DP9 are the planning consultant. Quote attributable to Ed Mayes, Project director for Silvertown, Lendlease: “After months of working together with local residents and our public sector partners GLA, Homes England and the London Borough of Newham, I’m proud to present our vision for this iconic new neighbourhood. Silvertown is finally being reimagined as a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks – a place where people can live and work well, better connected to the water and each other.  “This is a pivotal moment for the Silvertown development, as we reveal plans for a neighbourhood that will create thousands of much-needed new affordable homes and jobs for Newham. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the local community and our stakeholders to make this shared vision a reality.” Quote attributable to Catriona Simons, CEO at The Guinness Partnership: “This planning application is a big milestone in creating a new future for the Silvertown site. As affordable housing provider for the first phase affordable homes, Guinness is proud to be part of this ambitious and exciting vision for the Silvertown neighbourhood.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Building begins at Lovell Partnerships' new Spennymoor development

Building begins at Lovell Partnerships’ new Spennymoor development

WORK has begun to build a new 124-home development in the former mining town of Spennymoor, County Durham, marking continued growth in the North East region for leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships.  The development will offer a selection of two, three, and four-bedroom new homes to suit a range of different buyers, 71 of which will be available on the open market, with the remaining 53 offering affordable housing.   The site has been named Cornish Park in honour of Norman Cornish, one of the most celebrated mining artists of the last century. Mr Cornish lived in Spennymoor his entire life, working as a miner for 33 years. He is also known for creating popular works that depicted the people and places of his hometown, along with colliery life.   Cornish Park is the first phase of a wider regeneration project happening in Kirk Merrington, as part of Durham County’s ‘Towns and Villages’ strategy. The Spennymoor Area Action Partnership outlines a £21 million investment into the area, which will include finding opportunities to address community housing needs, among other challenges.   The scheme is to be delivered in one phase and aims to be completed by February 2025, forming part of the Homes England strategy to provide more affordable housing across the country.  Paul Devaney, area director of Lovell Partnerships in the North East region, said: “The Spennymoor site is just one of a number of exciting projects that we have in the pipeline in this region. We’re pleased that work has begun on schedule, and we look forward to watching the development progress.  “Lovell’s key focus is on creating new and exciting communities for people across the region, as well as progressing work to achieve our ambitious growth targets, and further establishing our five-star builder status.  “Delivering affordable housing under the Homes England banner is also a major factor, as Lovell strives to help meet the rising demand for high-quality homes that suit a range of buyers.”   To find out more about Lovell Partnerships, please visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/     For more information on Cornish Park, please visit: https://www.lovell.co.uk/developments/cornish-park-spennymoor/   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wates to build new homes in Barking and Dagenham

Wates to build new homes in Barking and Dagenham

Wates was selected by Be First to develop over 330 new homes in Barking and Dagenham, as part of an £874 million regeneration of the Gascoigne Estate. This will be the third project Wates has undertaken for Be First in the area, having recently completed 201 homes at Gascoigne West Phase 1. The £142 million Gascoigne East Phase 3B scheme will provide 277 apartments, 46 houses and 11 maisonettes as well as new public spaces connecting pedestrian and public transport links, centred around a garden square at the east of the site, as well as delivering £30 million in social value to the area. The build will use modern methods of construction such as offsite production of balconies, bathrooms and utilities cupboards, which will reduce construction time on site. “At Wates we believe everyone deserves a great place to live. This new project will provide huge economic, social and environmental benefits to local people and the local businesses that will be involved, as well as providing safe, healthy and comfortable places for communities to flourish,” said Helen Bunch, Executive Managing Director, Wates Residential. Be First has a strong track record in delivering new, high-quality homes for people and communities in Barking and Dagenham, with the borough named the most affordable for housing in the capital. The latest phase of this major development will complement the award-winning regeneration of the eastern side of the Gascoigne Estate, where Be First is delivering 526 new flats as part of a safer, healthier, and more sustainably designed environment. The wider Gascoigne Estate will include tree-lined public spaces, a new 5,000 sqm park Gascoigne Square along with public art and stunning designs in a mixture of traditional and modern styles. The Gascoigne East Phase 3B project will allow Wates to invest in the local community through the provision of 13 apprenticeships and a minimum of 40 work placements for local people. During the Gascogne West Phase 1 programme, the pandemic inspired Wates to find innovative ways to bring £45 million in social value to the local community including the creation of 21 apprenticeships, 22 work experience placements and £89k of investment in local charities and community causes. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Miller Homes unveils phase two of major developments in the North East

Miller Homes unveils phase two of major developments in the North East

WOULD-be North East homebuyers can get a first glimpse of the new phases of a range of leading housing developments at a series of VIP buyer events. Miller Homes is set to unveil the second phases at two of its prestigious sites in the region –   Stephenson Meadows, Callerton, Newcastle and at Longridge Farm, Bedlington – over the next few months. And in a separate event it will also be showcasing the Roman Fields development at Corbridge, which offers a mix of luxury three, four and five bedroomed homes, perfect for anyone wanting to downsize, buy a second home or looking for an investment property in a picturesque location. The events will also highlight to potential homeowners the support available to them from Miller Homes at every stage, giving them all they need to purchase their dream home. The company has created three events which will take place throughout the first months of 2023, where visitors will be able to see the range of homes on offer at all three sites, as well as have a free consultation with an experienced independent financial adviser who can give details of available mortgage options. The first event is being held at Longridge Farm on 28 January where between 11am and 4pm visitors can see phase 2 for the first time. This will be followed by a showcase event at Roman Fields, Corbridge on 21 February where guests will be able to enjoy a wine and cheese evening – courtesy of The Corbridge Larder – as well as talk to the independent financial advisor and speak to a local estate agent about the area’s investment potential. The final event is being held at Stephenson Meadows at Callerton, seven miles from the centre of Newcastle, and which features 261 three, four and five bedroomed luxury homes. The open day will run from 11am to 4pm on 4 March, giving those looking for a new home in this desirable area the opportunity to see the newest properties for the first time. Anyone interested can just turn up at any of the events on the day, but those who register in advance will be entered into a draw at each session for a hamper of locally sourced goodies, courtesy of Coastal Hampers. Free spaces can be booked at : Longridge Farm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expert-homebuying-advice-at-longridge-farm-bedlington-tickets-511899263477 Stephenson Meadows – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expert-homebuying-advice-at-stephenson-meadows-callerton-tickets-511922111817 Roman Fields –https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cheese-wine-expert-homebuying-advice-at-roman-fields-corbridge-tickets-511934278207 Everyone who attends an event will also receive a Miller Homes goody bag. Aisling Ramshaw, Sales Director at Miller Homes North East believes these three events  will offer the perfect opportunity to see the variety of the properties available and what each location has to offer. “We are very excited to be able to showcase phase 2 of both Stephenson Meadows and Longridge Farm and also to highlight what Roman Fields has to offer,” she said. “More than 80 per cent of the properties at Corbridge have been sold, so this really will be the last opportunity for buyers to own a home at this very popular development. “This will be the first opportunity to talk to our team about the new phase of  these developments and what they offer for those who recognise that bricks and mortar are a sound investment. “We believe these are going to be fantastic events which will really support our buyers.” The events are all free to attend and anyone interested can pop in throughout the day. For further information visit www.millerhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Muir Homes purchases land for homes in Midlothian

Muir Homes purchases land for homes in Midlothian

Family-run Scottish housebuilder, Muir Homes, has purchased land with planning permission to build high-quality family homes at its first development in Midlothian. The new site is in Pathhead, a popular community close to Dalkeith. The site is allocated for housing in the Midlothian Local Development Plan and extends over 6.9 acres. The proposals include 34 high quality and energy efficient houses and four flats next to Tynewater Primary School at the southern edge of the village. The majority of homes are for private sale and the flats will provide affordable homes to be managed by Midlothian Council. Muir’s design will blend the much needed new family homes in Pathhead with the existing community. The plans incorporate existing footpaths and include new links from the new homes to the school, local parks and amenities. As well as creating routes to and from the new homes, Muir will also include additional landscaping to the existing tree line to provide a natural and sustainable buffer between the proposed homes and the primary school. “We are pleased to announce the completion of this new site at Pathhead. It is part of Muir Homes commitment to build quality new homes in new communities across Scotland. Muir is proven to be successful in providing superb quality homes where people want to live. Pathhead not only has its own vibrant community, it is a village on the edge of stunning countryside, with easy access to village, town, out-of-town and City shopping experiences nearby. It also has the advantage of being easily commutable to Edinburgh,” said Paul McKay, Managing Director, Muir Homes. “Our family homes are suited to this type of location. Families will be attracted to the range of education options and recreational activities. The homes also allow space for homes offices to support hybrid working. We aim to contribute positively to the development of Pathhead through the new homes we are providing and the enhancements to the existing facilities for the community.” Muir Homes will build larger family homes to accommodate the demand for houses in this area as it provides an attractive environment for children and good quality Primary and Secondary Schools; Pathhead also offers access to amenities at Dalkeith and easy accessibility to Edinburgh. The 9 new affordable homes will allow residents with lower incomes to stay in the area in good quality accommodation. The plans meet the requirements of the national and local design policies. As part of its commitment to the local community, Muir is working closely with the Tynewater Community Council to ensure the new homes are integrated into the existing village. It is also recommending any investment it provides will benefit directly the Pathhead community. Construction will start in March with the new private homes released for sale at Easter. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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148 energy-efficient homes and significant community investment for Coventry

148 energy-efficient homes and significant community investment for Coventry

Coventry is set to benefit from 148 new affordable homes and substantial community investment delivered in partnership between leading housing provider, Stonewater and Countryside, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer. Planning has been approved to provide much-needed, affordable and energy-efficient homes on Elm Fields Farm. With the world’s attention firmly placed on combating climate change, all the homes will benefit from air source heat pumps to reduce energy bills – with 50 per cent also set to have solar panels installed – as well as electric vehicle charging points to further reduce emissions. The homes will also be built using modern methods of construction (MMC), with the closed timber panels made in Countryside’s factory and then transported onto site where they are assembled to form the walls of their homes, reducing construction waste. This approach reduces the amount of carbon embodied in building materials by 25 per cent – when compared to traditional brick and block construction – which is equivalent to the amount neutralised by approximately 16 acres of forest in one year. Alongside wider financial contributions, significant work will be undertaken to enhance the biodiversity on the site with wildflower meadows and ponds being incorporated into the development. Green, public open space and play equipment for new and existing residents to enjoy, as well as public art to promote the local area’s history and an apple orchard will also be provided. In addition, the scheme will support meeting the city Council’s objective for delivering sustainable transport measures, with improved bus and pedestrian access as well as electric car charging points, cycling routes and travel vouchers for residents.  Matt Crucefix, Stonewater’s Director of Development (South and West), added: “We’re really pleased to be working with Countryside to deliver this development. Embracing MMC allows us to provide more well-designed, mixed-tenure communities – speeding up delivery, whilst maximising efficiency and cutting waste. “Our ambition is to create good-quality homes that are affordable to maintain, which has become even more important in light of the cost-of-living crisis, in addition to supporting the wider community to thrive through investment to strengthen local services.” Phil McHugh, Managing Director, South Midlands, Countryside said: “We are committed to creating communities that people can be proud of. This site will bring well-located and much-needed affordable housing to Coventry. “We are delighted to be partnering with Stonewater on this inclusive residential development, which will not only create great quality affordable housing, but also investment in the local economy.” Through its partnership with the Community Forest Trust (CFT), Stonewater will also be donating £50 for every house it builds on the development – helping to plant five trees and connect more people with nature – as well as planting at least one tree for each home on the development. The mixed-tenure development will comprise a total of 148 homes offering a wide range of options to meet the housing needs of local individuals and families. This includes 54 homes for affordable rent and 27 for social rent, as well as 50 available for shared ownership and 17 available through Rent to Buy. Elm Fields Farm is located three miles to the north of Coventry city centre and will be built sitting just off Wigstone Road, Woodway Lane and Hinckley Road, with easy access to the A46, A45, M6 and M69. Work is expected to start on site at Elm Fields Farm in February 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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