A breaking-ground ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction work at a new village on the edge of Swindon up to 2,500 homes. Senior figures from housebuilder Vistry Group, Sovereign Network Group (SNG) and Swindon Borough Council gathered to formally place the first spade in the ground at Lotmead on Friday 23 August. The development, which is a joint venture between Vistry and SNG, has been planned to include a local centre, two primary schools, sports hub and green space on a 417-acre site to the east of Wanborough Road. Lotmead forms part of the wider New Eastern Villages project which is set to provide around 8,000 new homes alongside a range of new employment, health, retail, education and leisure facilities. Vistry Cotswolds will build 214 homes under its Bovis Homes brand in the first phase of Lotmead, known as King George Park, on a 39-acre parcel of land in the south-western part of the wider site. This will include 153 properties for private sale through Vistry’s Bovis Homes brand and 61 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership through SNG. The breaking-ground ceremony was attended by Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins, the council’s corporate director for inclusive economy and sustainability James Coulstock, and director of strategic growth Richard Bell. Also in attendance were James Gibson, development director at SNG, and a delegation from the senior management team at Vistry Cotswolds led by regional managing director Supriya Ray. Councillor Robbins said: “I am delighted we have been able to support the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Vistry, in unlocking this site for over 2,000 homes in the New Eastern Villages (NEV) to show that Swindon is leading the way in delivering the housing growth expected by the new government. “Lotmead will see a significant number of new homes, 30 per cent of which will be affordable, and a brand new community in a village setting complete with schools, green open spaces and local facilities delivering on our missions to build a greener and better Swindon. “I look forward to seeing the development take shape as we continue our drive to meet our housing targets so we build the homes our residents will need now and into the future.” Supriya Ray, regional managing director of Vistry Cotswolds, said: “The New Eastern Villages scheme is one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in the UK. This exciting development will not only help to address the country’s housing shortage but also assist Swindon Borough Council’s aspirations to kick start economic growth in the town and wider region. “Lotmead is one of the first villages to be brought forward within the wider scheme, and will therefore have an integral role to play in the formation of this new community. We are proud to be working in partnership with SNG and the council to deliver the new homes and infrastructure which will create a thriving and sustainable neighbourhood where people will want to live. “Our involvement in this massively important project reflects our partnerships-led approach and further underlines Vistry’s position as the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes.” As part of the planning agreement for the development, Vistry will be providing a significant investment in local services and infrastructure, which it expects to be in the region of £60 million. This will include contributions towards primary and secondary education, healthcare and road improvements. In addition to this, Vistry will be providing allotments, sports pitches, two equipped play areas, a new road, cycle links, and a sports pavilion. James Gibson, Development Director Regional Managing Director West at SNG, said: “This site is a positive step towards delivering our ambitious plans for tens of thousands of good, affordable, new homes that are much needed. I’m delighted that our joint venture with Vistry will form a vital part of the delivery of this vision in the Swindon area. “To maximise our impact, we’re always looking to work with partners like Vistry that share our vision of building high quality, sustainable neighbourhoods with the range of supporting facilities and infrastructure that will form a thriving community over generations at Lotmead.” Outline planning permission for the Lotmead scheme was granted in 2021 and detailed plans for the first phase of 214 homes were approved by Swindon Borough Council in June this year. Properties will include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses and eight one-bedroom apartments. The first homes are due to be completed by Summer 2025. For more information about Vistry Group, visit vistrygroup.co.uk. To find out more about SNG, go to sng.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Phased development of south Dorset’s first open-market build-to-rent residential scheme has reached a significant milestone on a landmark site in Dorchester after permitted development rights were confirmed. RTI Estates Ltd is set to add another phase in the conversion of offices at Vespasian House at the top o’ town into 37 apartments for up to 144 people adding £11m to this phased project. The company – part of the forward-thinking Dorchester-based property company Redtale Holdings – will deliver a mixture of one, two and three bed flats including penthouse apartments in what is currently the loft. It has received notification from Dorset Council of its right to convert the entire building and loft of Vespasian House under permitted development rights, where the change of use is already acceptable in principle. It also has received ‘right to rise’ confirmation for the loft of the property in the county town. The development will repurpose an iconic building in a brownfield and highly sustainable location as part of RTI’s ongoing regeneration of the county town’s historic Barrack Quarter. RTI, which owns the freehold of the office complex and surrounding land, has opted for a build-to-rent (BTR) development to provide high-quality, flexible short and long-term secure accommodation. BTR is purpose-built housing designed for rent rather than sale. Homes are not sold to investment owners or buy-to-let landlords for traditional open market rental but are owned and managed by the developer or operator. Schemes of this kind typically offer flexible leases from six months up to five years to provide families and workers with modern sustainable homes as well as secure tenures not normally associated with the rental sector. Many schemes also include a range of services and additional space, such as communal lounges or gyms. The plans to breathe new life into Vespasian House comes as NHS organisations based in the building consider alternative arrangements to co-locate with local partners. Chief executive Malcolm Curtis said: “Confirmation of permitted development rights marks another major milestone in this project. “It will be the first build-to-rent scheme in south of Dorset, and possible the whole of the west of the county, enhancing the mix of housing stock and helping to combat the chronic under-supply of rental homes in the area. “In addition to securing the long-term future of an iconic building, it also represents development of an important brownfield site in a highly sustainable location close to the nearby hospital, transport links and all the town centre amenities. “Providing new, high-quality accommodation of this kind for families, workers and professionals will support the growth of Dorchester and its local economy while supporting public services and bringing millions of pounds of investment to the area. “The scheme will meet, or exceed, the required building and sustainability standards, and we very much look forward to sharing more details in due course.” Vespasian House is currently being used as offices by the NHS and was previously occupied by the Inland Revenue. Its conversion will include parking. RTI also has a keen focus on sustainability in the design, construction and use of all its developments, including low and zero carbon technologies. The scheme is part of RTI’s urban regeneration of Dorchester’s historic Barrack Quarter at the top o’ town. This has already included the build completion of a £2.4m development of Barrack House in the northwest corner of the site with nine key worker apartments let to NHS workers and their families. It has also previously converted the former quartermaster’s stores into five townhouses and two apartments for open market sale. In addition, RTI has previously gained planning consent for a residential extension to Vespasian House and a mixed-used building with apartments and commercial space. These plans are unaltered by these plans for further accommodation. National permitted development policies – often known as ‘prior approval’ – for conversion of offices and other types of commercialproperties into homes were first introduced in 2013 and mean change of use is acceptable in principle. Applications are required to meet certain criteria, which have been further eased since the pandemic and onset of remote and hybrid working as well as the decline of town centres. According to latest figures from the House of Commons Library, a total of 102,830 new homes were delivered through change of use permitted development rights from 2015 to 2023 in England. Visit https://redtalegroup.com/ for more details. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Caddick Construction Group has reached completion of Stonebridge Beck, Rushbond’s brand new “heritage village” at the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills in Leeds. Handover of the development marks the completion of a £25m renovation and new-build project to create 112 residential properties, including mill townhouses, contemporary new build homes and restored cottages.  Construction work began in May 2021 and has seen the derelict 19th century mill and cottages restored and refurbished to create a unique residential community spanning 9.1 acres. Preserving the mill’s historic character was a crucial element of the Rushbond project with Caddick restoring and retaining existing features. These included original signage, a cast iron weigh bridge, an internal stone staircase with cast iron balustrade and chimney restoration. Caddick’s work on-site also included the installation of incoming utility services, associated plot drainage, estate infrastructure, ancillary works, highway works and car charging for all properties.  The Yorkshire-based construction firm also facilitated 10 local apprenticeships, welcomed two construction T-Level students from Leeds College of Building into work placements, created 100 new jobs in Leeds and engaged with over 700 local pupils through 12 educational visits and workshops.   J W Maud, Chairman at Rushbond Plc, comments: “We have been delighted to work with the talented Caddick team and to deliver the Rushbond vision – a respectful, significant heritage anchored residential community, harnessing and preserving Leeds’ gem for a new future.” Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group in Yorkshire and the North East, comments: “Delivering Rushbond’s vision to create Stonebridge Beck and bringing this historic mill site back to life was a project that required meticulous attention to detail and I’m very proud of what the Caddick team has achieved. Preserving history while creating something contemporary and sustainable is a fine balance and the result is a stunning residential development by Rushbond that pays tribute to Leeds’ industrial heritage.  “The historic significance of these Georgian and Victorian mills meant that it was important that we worked closely with the planning and heritage officers, as well as registering our site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme to make sure we delivered the development to an impeccable standard.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Detailed plans for a proposed new housing development in the scenic Hampshire suburb of Old Bedhampton have been submitted to Havant Borough Council by Bargate Homes. The reserved matters application sets out design details for 43 new homes adjacent to the historic conservation area on land west of Old Manor Farm and south of Lower Road, Bedhampton, which received outline planning permission in May 2023. The proposed development is Bargate Homes’ second phase, following its hugely successful St Thomas’ Mead scheme, which lies adjacent and incorporates 50 energy-efficient homes.    Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes, said: “Phase one of St Thomas’ Mead sold very quickly, with most homes reserved off-plan ahead of the construction programme. It is one of the most beautiful and desirable developments Bargate Homes has delivered, and we’ve made sure this next phase carries forward the same outstanding design principles.  “We’ve received positive feedback and comments from the Borough Council and we’re confident that these detailed plans build upon everything we promised in our outline application. With a target EPC rating of A, these much-needed energy-efficient homes will benefit the local community, with home choices for first time buyers, growing families, and downsizers.  “This special location is set to provide an opportunity to secure a beautiful home in a picturesque part of Hampshire with great links to Portsmouth, Brighton and London.” The proposed new community has an attractive mix of traditionally styled two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and chalet bungalows. 30% will be allocated for affordable housing with VIVID, the parent company of Bargate Homes. The highly detailed architecture takes inspiration from the local context of Bedhampton, and both reflects and enhances the variety of characterful homes in the local area, as well as the adjacent high quality completed St Thomas’ Mead development. The plans include details of the predominantly mixed red brindle brickwork, traditional red and brown roof tiles, and striking black cladding facades to create variety across the collection of homes.  Enclosed by substantial green landscape buffers, the site will be enhanced by new tree planting, landscaping, and environmental benefits to deliver 30% biodiversity net gains, well beyond the required policy of 10%. Other assets include large areas of multi-functional green open space, a new play space easily accessible by residents of both Phase 1 and Phase 2, allotments and a community garden, and an attenuation basin. Vehicular access to the site is to be provided from Lower Road, following the approved route through the adjacent St Thomas’ Mead development. Cycle and pedestrian links will also be provided through the earlier phase to encourage a healthy lifestyle, utilising a network of dedicated footways and shared space streets. Many of the home designs feature garages, with parking generally provided on-plot. Additional allocated visitor parking is incorporated within the scheme design, and every home benefits from its own or shared EV charging point and PV solar panels. Local amenities in Bedhampton include shops, sports facilities, a community hall, restaurants and bars. Several schools and pre-school facilities are within walking distance. The development is around a mile from Bedhampton train station and only a few minute’s drive from the A27 and A3, which leads to the coastline and the national motorway network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has committed to regenerating nearly seven acres of unused land in Milton Keynes to build 115 new homes – 50 of which will be built to the anticipated Future Homes Standard.  With a planned total build budget of £21.5million, the project is due to be completed in March 2026, and will provide a range of high-quality, multi-tenure homes to add to the thriving community already in the area.  The housebuilder will also create multiple types of housing for residents at the site to be named Haworth Place, including much-needed affordable housing stock through a local housing association. The development is located on the edge of Milton Keynes and is close to a variety of amenities such as shops, parks and transport links.  The Future Homes Standard legislation update, which is due in 2025, requires all new homes to reduce 75 percent of the carbon emissions and is set out to replace traditional Building Regulations for new dwellings.  Keepmoat has invested in new research and development to create an advanced delivery programme of new builds called ‘Echo’ homes, equipped with air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, increased levels of insulation and EV charging points to reduce carbon emissions from the homes. These new technologies will be rolled out across key selected developments in the house builders’ portfolio to begin the advanced delivery project, including within 50 homes at the development in Milton Keynes.  Ian McFaul, Interim Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, South Midlands, said: “We’re thrilled to be regenerating this underdeveloped piece of land in Milton Keynes to deliver 115 high-quality, multi-tenure homes for the local area, including much-needed affordable housing options. The project is also creating a raft of new local jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities, further boosting the local economy and the industry’s future workforce. “As the project continues into the next phase, it’s extremely rewarding to see the excitement about the plans to deliver these homes in this fantastic new town. We’re also proud to be delivering homes featuring anticipated Future Homes Standard technology ahead of the Government-enforced delivery model set to come in next year – a further step in our mission to create sustainable communities for the future.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford.  To find out more about Keepmoat, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals