Independent West Country housebuilder Devonshire Homes has exchanged contracts for the acquisition of land for contemporary new build homes in West Yelland, North Devon. This latest acquisition is testament to how the housebuilder is accelerating its five-year growth plan. The announcement comes just three weeks after Devonshire Homes revealed it
The conversion of an iconic cottage hospital into a community hub and nine affordable homes was officially marked by the community of Southwold and Reydon on Friday 17 June 2022. Southwold and Reydon is the first community in England and Wales to buy back its community hospital to provide much
A brand new UK building regulation is here. Coming into effect on 15th June 2022, Part O deals with the growing issue of buildings being designed and constructed without due consideration to the building’s potential internal temperature, during our warmest months. Importantly, and in difference to many other updates to
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by
A planning application has been submitted by Milton Keynes based Planning Consultants, Smith Jenkins, for an exemplar net zero carbon and zero fossil fuel community in Bedfordshire, the largest known of its kind in the UK. The application seeks to create a sustainable new settlement, known as Greenwoods, between Bedford
Warringtonfire completes innovative smoke control study for Flemish Government (VIPA department), helping to better protect those in residential care Warringtonfire, a world leader in fire testing, inspection and certification services, has completed the second in a series of three studies at the request of the Flemish Government, that focus on
Relentless today announces a Joint Venture (JV) with renowned national property developer Salboy, enabling the final phase of the iconic St Michael’s scheme to be delivered in Manchester city centre. The 40 storey tower, designed by Hodder + Partners, will comprise a five star, world class 191-bed hotel, 181 serviced
Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has exchanged conditional contracts for the acquisition of approximately 36 acres of land for a new build homes development in Trannack near Penzance, Cornwall. The West Cornwall site is located close to the A30 where c 300 architecturally-designed homes are planned for this
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open
Independent West Country housebuilder Devonshire Homes has exchanged contracts for the acquisition of land for contemporary new build homes in West Yelland, North Devon. This latest acquisition is testament to how the housebuilder is accelerating its five-year growth plan. The announcement comes just three weeks after Devonshire Homes revealed it had exchanged conditional contracts on 36 acres of land in Penzance. The West Yelland site strengthens the award-winning housebuilder’s presence in North Devon, where construction has recently started on its East-the-Water site, The Grange. This development, known as the ‘Sun Houses’, is located in the desirable village of Yelland which is between the coastal village of Instow and Fremington, off Yelland Road. Within a short distance the popular beaches of Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands can be found and Yelland has easy access to the A39 and A361. This architecturally exciting scheme designed by Guy Greenfield Architects will complete the development and deliver 27 open market and 22 affordable homes in North Devon. The three, five and six bedroom detached homes are in an elevated position and make the most of their southerly aspect with estuary views and are surrounded by green, wooded hillside. Designed to maximise the use of natural light with large expanses of glazing, the open plan living makes the most of the desirable outlook benefiting from living areas and at least one bedroom South facing into a walled garden. The stylish contemporary homes take on a modern interpretation of the traditional bungalow. Devonshire Homes will invest more than £430,000 in the local community under the S106 contributions, including: £294,225 towards education, £127,291 towards recreation and £10,000 towards play equipment. Benefitting the existing occupied homes on the centre of the site, Devonshire Homes will also resurface the neighbouring roads which adjoin the site. Angus Cook, Managing Director at Devonshire Homes, commented: “We’re delighted to announce that we have exchanged contracts on land in West Yelland just three weeks after securing land in Cornwall. We are focused on securing excellent development sites and I am pleased we’ve been able to do exactly that here. As an independent and West Country housebuilder, we are able to react rapidly and progress quickly when this type of land opportunity arises, and we look forward to bringing more of our high-quality, new build homes to North Devon house hunters who need them. “These new homes will be truly spectacular. Each property has been carefully designed to make the most of their elevated position on the North Devon coastline so that homeowners can truly embrace the beautiful views. “Construction will start later this year and we will ensure to communicate with the existing homeowners already on site throughout the project. “If you are landowner or agent looking for a developer capable of delivering on their promises, Devonshire Homes should be your first call. This deal has set a new record for the business, going from nothing to an unconditional exchange in 4 days!” The acquisition of land in West Yelland is another important strategic milestone for Southwest based Devonshire Homes. The 30-year-old residential home developer is aiming to double turnover and build 400 homes per annum by 2026. The Devonshire Homes team has decades of experience in building new communities across the West Country with current developments including: The Grange, Bideford; Tarka View, Crediton; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey; Applegate Park, Kingsbridge and Gwallon Keas, St. Austell. To find out more about Devonshire Homes, visit www.devonshirehomes.co.uk.
The conversion of an iconic cottage hospital into a community hub and nine affordable homes was officially marked by the community of Southwold and Reydon on Friday 17 June 2022. Southwold and Reydon is the first community in England and Wales to buy back its community hospital to provide much needed affordable housing and community facilities in the area. Four of the homes are for affordable rent and five are for shared ownership with all homes prioritised for people with a local connection to the area. The community hub has breathed new life into Southwold by providing a new home for the town’s library, a nursery, farm-to-fork café and co-working space for local entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers. Originally funded and built by local people 125 years ago, Southwold’s cottage hospital was closed by the NHS in 2015. Fearing the locally-listed building would be demolished and redeveloped into second homes and holiday lets, the local community developed an ambitious plan that led to the formation of a social enterprise, the Southwold and Waveney Valley Regeneration Society Ltd, known as SouthGen. SouthGen campaigned to save the building and worked with rural affordable housing specialist, Hastoe Housing Association, to buy the site. It was an innovative transaction in which both partners’ involvement was crucial. In March 2018, SouthGen bought the freehold and sold it to Hastoe, which then provided SouthGen with a 999-year leasehold for a pepper corn rent. Work on the conversion began on site in summer 2019 and the homes and community hub were developed in partnership with architects Wellington and Modece Architects, building contractor Wellington Construction, and employer’s agent Potter Raper. All partners, as well as the local MP and councillors, attended the official completion of works. The occasion was commemorated with the planting of a Victoria Plum tree. The tree was chosen because work to build the original hospital had started 125 years ago on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee on 22 June 1897. The refurbished hospital was completed in June 2022, coinciding with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Jessica DeGrazia Jeans, Chair of SouthGen, said: “This project has inspired a truly amazing community spirit. Hundreds of volunteers have participated in all aspects of the project from campaigning, doing the feasibility study, putting in the initial bid and buying the site, right through to funding the project, and maintaining the building’s integrity, design and community use. “We have been fortunate to receive generous grant support from the Community Business Fund, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Reaching Communities Fund, the Denby Charitable Fund, the Ben and Phillipa Johnson Family Foundation, the Reach Fund, as well as a matching community share investment from Co-operatives UK through the Community Share Booster Programme. “We are also indebted to all our partners. We could not have achieved this without them. Special thanks go to Hastoe for their help and unique approach. There are few organisations out there with such vision and commitment. Hastoe has been the very best of partners, and we are fortunate to have found them.” The Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “This project has taken a lot of guts, courage and determination. There wouldn’t have been many communities prepared to take on a project like this. Its success lies completely in the strength, tenacity and creativity of all those involved.” Councillor Michael Ladd of Suffolk County Council said: “I agree completely. This could never have happened without a ‘can do’ attitude. We are lucky to have so many people with the diversity of skills and strength of will to have made this happen. The site has returned to being a real asset to the town and local community.” Lindy Morgan, Chair of the Board of Hastoe Housing Association, said: “Hastoe is honoured and privileged to have worked alongside everyone involved in helping to deliver the community’s vision. However, we are in no doubt this is a community driven and led success that would not have been possible without SouthGen’s leadership. “We will now continue to work with SouthGen and other key stakeholders to ensure the future sustainability and success of the project. Hastoe’s commitment to this project is to care for the homes and provide excellent services to the residents long into the future and, not to put too fine a point on it, beyond the lifetime of many of us standing here today. “This year is Hastoe’s 60th anniversary and, similar to the way we look back with pride at what we’ve achieved, we want the future community of Southwold and Reydon to look back and say what a fantastic thing my community did all those years ago.”
A brand new UK building regulation is here. Coming into effect on 15th June 2022, Part O deals with the growing issue of buildings being designed and constructed without due consideration to the building’s potential internal temperature, during our warmest months. Importantly, and in difference to many other updates to the Building Regulations, Part O will be applied retrospectively, regardless of when a planning application was submitted or approved, if projects have not actually started construction before 15th June 2023 they will be required to comply with Part O. This 12-month transition period allows for designers and developers to make changes to planned projects to ensure they comply before their construction commences. Overheating of buildings is not a new issue. Previously, it has been partially addressed with assessment tools and guidance by various bodies, but for the first time, the UK Government, in the form of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has firmly addressed the issue. The management of solar gains in buildings is to be enforced under the revised Building Regulations 2022, specifically the new Part O, which comes into effect on 15th June 2022. What is Part O? Approved Document O covers the overheating mitigation requirements of the building regulations; designing and constructing buildings to limit unwanted solar gains in summer and provide an adequate means of removing excess heat from the indoor environment. It applies to all residential and institutional dwellings, including care facilities and student accommodation, anywhere you would stay overnight (but excluding hotels), ranging from a single storey house to a high-rise apartment block. Make no mistake, this is a significant change that will need to be acknowledged and adopted by all developers and designers with immediate effect, to avoid the risk of new homes failing to pass building regs. Since December 2021 when Part O was released, Smartlouvre have been gathering feedback from those affected including house builders and housing associations. They have written a whitepaper to respond to this feedback, with input from designers, building physicists, simulation experts and members of CIBSE. They have also been in contact with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to ensure what they create is a rounded document, which de-mystifies the regulation and provides unbiased advice, whilst giving thought provoking comment as to how we in the construction sector can design in consideration of user comfort and health as a primary consideration. To read the whitepaper visit www.smartlouvre.com (url to be set live on Friday 17th June).
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by property developer The Investment Room as works commence on site to launch phase two of Bradford’s landmark residential development – The Printworks. Comprising of137 newly built luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments, the build follows the completion of phase one – the conversion of a listed building known as ‘Card House’. Occupying a highly sought-after affluent location within the city of Bradford, The Printworks is to be built upon the site that was formally home to WN Sharpe of Bradford and later, Hallmark Cards. The apartments will provide potential buyers with well-appointed living, featuring spacious, larger than average accommodation and high-quality fixtures and fittings – with homeowners also benefitting from onsite parking including EV charging ports and visitors parking bays, spacious communal courtyards and a Costa Coffee shop. The development marks a flurry of inbound investment into the city, with property prices in Bradford set to double within the next five years* – offering great opportunity to savvy investors searching for strong yields and affordable pricing amidst a post covid property price boom. The Printworks has been welcomed by local councillors who are keen to meet the increased demand for housing due to rising numbers of people moving to the area. Benjamin Hunter, CEO of LH1 London, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside The Investment Room to bring this landmark development for Bradford to market. The development is a remarkable project and will be a real asset to the city. “We are also really pleased for the people of Bradford receiving the much-deserved accolade ‘City of Culture for 2025’. This reflects not only their truly diverse culture but also the City’s willingness to create opportunities for all. Bradford can now expect considerable inbound investment and huge growth in Employment which will only fuel the requirement for high quality property in the area. We see Bradford as the Jewel of The Northern Powerhouse and this award is testament to that. “We have already seen increasing demand and interest in the build following the success of phase one, and would encourage international buyers and local owner-occupiers to take note of the opportunity here. Bradford, being one of the largest cities in the UK housing over 500,000 people, is becoming a growing investment opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. This is where Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool were a few years ago.” Councillor Love, The Lord Mayor of Bradford, commented: “The scheme will create 385 flats and preserve the iconic character of the Art Deco style Grade ll listed building Sharps Card Factory (known as Hallmark House). “The proposed works to the listed building are considered to largely protect its heritage significance, and the development would deliver a substantial provision to meet the district’s housing need”. Lee Jones, Director at The Investment Room, added: “Having successfully sold all of the 144 apartments in the first phase of the development in record time, I am extremely proud to have broken ground on the second phase of The Printworks. The positive feedback and sentiments from the local residents and buyers alike has been encouraging. It is refreshing to see that our respect for the immense heritage of the existing buildings, whilst also utilising the rest of this large brownfield site through high quality new apartments, has been widely recognised and partnering with LH1 to sell the apartments to the owner occupier market as well as selected investors makes this site even more special”. Work at The Printworks is underway, and the anticipated practical completion is Q3 2023. LH1 London is the UK’s leading global developer sales and marketing partner for off plan, off market property and work on a range of developments in major cities throughout the UK including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Luton, and London commutable regions. To find out more about The Printworks email: info@lh1.london. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
A planning application has been submitted by Milton Keynes based Planning Consultants, Smith Jenkins, for an exemplar net zero carbon and zero fossil fuel community in Bedfordshire, the largest known of its kind in the UK. The application seeks to create a sustainable new settlement, known as Greenwoods, between Bedford and Luton, which will benefit from an on-site solar PV park and over 100 hectares of landscaped public open space. The proposals far exceed the requirements of building regulations and planning policies, and will set the standard for other developments in Bedfordshire and beyond. The proposals will establish an important precedent for the new national Future Homes Standard, which seeks to improve upon current regulations to increase the sustainability of new homes in light of the Government’s carbon emissions targets. A range of new homes will be provided, including later living, affordable housing and opportunities for self-build. The proposals have been designed to create a diverse, inclusive, multi-generational community, and have a focus on healthy lifestyles; low cost and energy efficient homes; and adaptable and home working models. The development will include all of the infrastructure necessary to support the new community including schools, health centre, community centres, road network, drainage and utilities. A new innovation and employment hub will provide opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as spaces for flexible working. Designed by national Architectural Practice, GSSArchitecture, who have offices in Milton Keynes, in collaboration with IDP Landscape, based in Coventry, the proposals include extensive public open space, including a new woodland, with outdoor sport and recreation facilities appealing to all ages. Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained and enhanced, with a variety of new habitats to be created, achieving over 23% biodiversity net gain, and forming a well-integrated green infrastructure network and strong landscape-led character for the development. New pedestrian, cycle and bridleway routes, connecting to nearby towns and villages, will enable new and existing communities significantly greater access to green space and the countryside. A strong emphasis on sustainability has been at the heart of the proposals since their inception, and new and emerging sustainable technologies continue to be incorporated, guided by London-based sustainability experts, Integration. The application demonstrates how the development will achieve net zero carbon for regulated operational carbon, i.e. offsetting the emissions associated with the operation of buildings. The application also commits to detailed design offsetting emissions associated with the construction of buildings (embodied carbon) and those generated by appliances (unregulated emissions). An increasing focus on electric vehicles has resulted in the inclusion of an on-site charging station open to the general public, which will contribute to the expanding network of these essential facilities, which are increasingly necessary in light of the Government’s accelerated deadline on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. New technology will enable batteries within electric vehicles parked on the site to be used to store renewable energy, enabling the increased use of renewable energy within and beyond the site. The developer, Greenwoods Central Bedfordshire Ltd. has said, “We are delighted to be able to bring forward this unique development in Central Bedfordshire. We have been impressed with the approach that has been taken by the Local Planning Authority to this highly sustainable new community that will set new standards as the country seeks to decarbonise. “We have a positive level of engagement with the Local Planning Authority, and we are hopeful that the Council will recognise the benefits of these proposals, which seek to significantly increase the sustainability of not just construction, but whole communities. We are designing for a future beyond net carbon zero to truly sustainable and healthy lifestyles, where communities have a positive impact on the environment and where good planning and design can also contribute to social cohesion – we know this can be achieved with our Greenwoods proposals. “From conception to the submission of a planning application, we have sought at every stage to make Greenwoods uniquely green, not just in the use of renewable energies, but in our approach to the use of new technologies, open spaces and the planting of over 100,000 new trees, to create a new community where families can truly reflect modern ways of living, working and playing. “Greenwoods proposes significant benefits for the wider area, including new employment and transport linkages. We know that Greenwoods will deliver a new community that Central Bedfordshire can be proud of, and we believe the proposals raise the bar for sustainable development that the Local Planning Authority can demand from every development proposal.” An outline planning application has been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council, prepared by an experienced consultant team and ensuring careful consideration of an extensive range of technical matters. For more information on this exemplar sustainable development, please visit the dedicated Greenwoods website: https://www.greenwoodscentralbedfordshire-info.co.uk/
Warringtonfire completes innovative smoke control study for Flemish Government (VIPA department), helping to better protect those in residential care Warringtonfire, a world leader in fire testing, inspection and certification services, has completed the second in a series of three studies at the request of the Flemish Government, that focus on the fire safety in residential care buildings. When asked about the goals of the second study, also called the VIPA2 study, Pieter Poppe – project manager, stated, “We wanted to identify the effectiveness of smoke control measures by means of five large-scale fire tests and additional CFD-simulations (CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics) as part of the evacuation strategy for non-self-reliant occupants of a residential care building.” The VIPA2 study led to new ways of considering fire safety for more vulnerable members of society, such as citizens who reside within care buildings. Since common areas within these buildings can currently include combustible materials (e.g. kitchens, sofas, etc.), a possible fire hazard is inherent in these evacuation routes. This risk is currently not considered within the concept of the current (Belgian) fire safety regulations. “The VIPA2 study has scientifically demonstrated the effectiveness of different kinds of applications of a smoke control system in a residential care building. This kind of smoke control system is not only limited to residential care buildings, but can also be applied to all types of structures with similar geometry. Such application is not mentioned in any normative document related to Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation systems (SHEV-system) and is therefore very innovative.” This research, completed by Warringtonfire has informed a further third study, the VIPA3 study. Pieter Poppe, Head of the Consultancy Department of the Institute for Fire Safety (ISIB), said: “In the VIPA3 study, an assessment framework has been developed where minimum fire safety measures are determined as part of the evacuation strategy (i.e. immediate evacuation or Defend in Place) in case of non-self-reliant occupants of a residential care building. These fire safety measures can be active (e.g. residential smoke control system, fire screen, automatic extinguishing) or passive safety measures (e.g. fire resistant door, smoke control door, fire resistant damper). The effectiveness of the applied fire safety measures has been demonstrated through large-scale fire tests and additional CFD simulations (CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics) as described in the VIPA1 and VIPA2 studies.” The three studies will act as crucial stepping stones in creating a safer and more secure future for non-self-reliant individuals, by potentially guiding future regulations. For more about Warringtonfire, please visit: www.warringtonfire.com.
Relentless today announces a Joint Venture (JV) with renowned national property developer Salboy, enabling the final phase of the iconic St Michael’s scheme to be delivered in Manchester city centre. The 40 storey tower, designed by Hodder + Partners, will comprise a five star, world class 191-bed hotel, 181 serviced residences and a multitude of design-led amenity and leisure spaces for residents and guests. With the ambition of setting new standards in design, quality, service and experience, St Michael’s has become one of Manchester’s most anticipated projects. Phase 2 will front onto the new public square, which will become a hub for food, drink, music and entertainment. Incorporating the best in local, national and international cuisines along with a fully refurbished Sir Ralph Abercromby public house, the square at St Michael’s will be the heart of this new City Centre destination. The transformational project will see the reanimation and revitalisation of the underused streets surrounding the scheme and, by completion, is expected to have brought significant investment to the City and created an additional 1,800 jobs. Supporting Relentless and Salboy in the delivery of Phase 2, will be contractor Domis Construction, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner. Domis has developed over 2,500 homes across 10 development sites over the last 5 years. Initial works are expected to start in January 2023, just 12 months after the commencement of Phase 1, the commercial element of the development. The scheme in its entirety is expected to be completed in 2026. Gary Neville of Relentless said: “The Relentless team have been on this project for 15 years and we’ve never diluted our ambition on what has been an incredibly long journey to build this complex and challenging project. Thank you so much to the Salboy Team, to Fred and Simon in particular and for all their support over the last few months. I would also like to thank Manchester City Council and the Reform Synagogue for the faith they’ve shown over the years. It’s now time to deliver. “Our aim with St Michael’s has always been to create a world class destination in our city that celebrates our local passion, spirit and hospitality that delivers to a 5 star international standard.” Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, said: “Gary and his team have worked incredibly hard to drive the St Michael’s project forward over the last few years and we’re excited to be on board to help them deliver this hugely ambitious and long-awaited scheme. We would like to thank Relentless for giving us an opportunity to be involved in this scheme. St Michael’s is already raising expectations for what Manchester has to offer. Now it’s time for Salboy, Domis and Relentless to work together to make this development a reality and deliver a destination at the sorts of international standards that all of Manchester can be proud of.” Anthony Kilbride, Relentless said: “With the initial phase of the development now well underway it allowed us to focus on finding our delivery partner for the final phase of the project and to complete the masterplan we set out to achieve for St Michael’s. We are delighted to enter into this partnership with the Salboy team, agreements were concluded quickly, with a clear aligned vision & ambition to deliver what we consider to be step change in development for this city. “With our delivery partners our focus is on the execution phase of St Michael’s and the future announcements to make as we progress further.” Danny Savage, Trustee of the Manchester Reform Synagogue said: “The trustees of the synagogue are delighted that their 15 year partnership with Relentless has successfully come to fruition. The development has overcome many challenges over the years and we have found Gary and the Relentless team to be both supportive and enthusiastic throughout that time. With the proceeds of the synagogue sale, the trustees will now be able to source a more suitable base in the city centre that will cater for the needs of our congregation in 2022 and beyond.” Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “This is an ambitious development in an area of the city with huge potential. The significant level of investment, working partnership and the high-quality design of this development will bring forward a new standard and mix of uses. The scheme will further help our recovery from the pandemic, while demonstrating our ability to deliver transformational regeneration projects in Manchester.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has exchanged conditional contracts for the acquisition of approximately 36 acres of land for a new build homes development in Trannack near Penzance, Cornwall. The West Cornwall site is located close to the A30 where c 300 architecturally-designed homes are planned for this scheme. Devonshire Homes will seek to obtain detailed planning consent for the development which will offer a mix of one and two bedroom flats and two, three, four and five bedroom homes with spectacular views. The land at Trannack is one of the major sites allocated for housing under Cornwall Council’s Local Plan for Penzance to support strategic growth in West Cornwall. With amazing elevated views from the site across to St Michael’s Mount, Devonshire Homes will bring forward a scheme to deliver a new access road from the A30 and a range of homes which sit well within the topography of the site, maximising the stunning outlook and views. The award-winning house builder, which currently has active sites in St. Austell, Crediton, Bovey Tracey, Kingsbridge and Bideford, will submit a reserved matters application later this year with an aim for construction to start following planning consent. Angus Cook, Managing Director at Devonshire Homes, commented: “We are pleased to have exchanged contracts on land at Trannack for a forthcoming Devonshire Homes development. This is the first of several we have in solicitors hands, to further build the land pipeline for the business. The Trannack development will be one of our ‘anchor’ sites. “Work will now start on submitting a detailed planning application for a range of new homes on this allocated development. We are looking forward to engaging with residents, community stakeholders and councils as we finalise our plans to deliver much-needed new homes that mean prospective buyers from varying stages of the property ladder will be able to find a suitable home here.” The acquisition of land at Trannack is an important strategic milestone for South West based Devonshire Homes as the 30-year old residential home developer builds its land bank and drives its ambitious five-year growth plan forward. The Devonshire Homes team has decades of experience in building new communities across the West Country with current developments including: Tarka View, Crediton; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey; Applegate Park, Kingsbridge; Gwallon Keas, St. Austell and The Grange, Bideford. To find out more about Devonshire Homes, visit www.devonshirehomes.co.uk. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more than 3,250 apartments, has become the latest Wembley Park building to put residents’ wellbeing first. Designed with notable mid-century modern influences, the homes are all about inner calm – about achieving balance between heart and mind, according to interior designers Fossey Arora. “Madison is all about looking into yourself – about health, wellbeing and protection. About fresh air and inner calm. This is delivered through clean, simple design, with timeless, mid-century modern influences that embody clutter-free living. There’s a sense of calm and precision that flows throughout the building.” Fossey Arora With a super gym and children’s nursery beneath it, the iconic National Stadium on one side and vibrant parkland of Union Park on the other, Madison is certainly well positioned to deliver on the wellbeing front. The importance of health and family are felt throughout the building. As residents step into the super lobby, the atmosphere at Madison immediately feels clean and clear. It’s a sense that arises the moment you enter, contributed to by the bright, circular ceiling lights, black and white chequered floor, deep blue lava stone tiles and gleaming golden post boxes. This classic, 1950s feel pervades Madison, with dark wood panelling, leather sofas, herringbone timber and a host of other textures playing into that mid-century advertising firm vibe that Mad Men encapsulated so perfectly. Set in New York, with the firm based on Madison Avenue, Mad Men became as renowned for its sense of style and fashion as it did for its engaging plotlines, and this same feeling of iconic design can be felt within Quintain Living’s Madison. Shared spaces within the building are both welcoming and functional – comfortable but uncluttered. The comfortable seating in the lobby’s welcome area draws residents into the space, while above it sits the residents’ lounge. A seating/breakout area overlooks the lobby, with the broken plan design facilitating a range of uses. The outlook over the greenery of the new Union Park, the first new park in the area for 100 years, delivers an immediate sense of connection with nature, while the circular lights have the feeling of skylights, inviting residents to work, relax and catch up with friends over coffee in a space that feels snug and calm. On Madison’s upper floor, residents can enjoy a lounge with zones for work or relaxation, with access to the sky lounge and lawned rooftop area, with the iconic Wembley Stadium arch right in front of them. The rooftop has been designed to cater to residents’ wellbeing in multiple ways, serving as the perfect spot for everything from yoga sessions to popup rooftop movie showings. For those looking for calm, there are planted archways to stroll beneath, with tunnels of greenery delivering a sense of protection, enclosure and peace. A smaller roof terrace, meanwhile, uses a simple design to create an open space, packed with greenery, for residents to sit and relax. The use of nature to add to the sense of calm is reflected in the design of Madison’s podium garden. Plants are used to divide up a series of enclosed areas, where residents can encapsulate themselves away from the world and take time to relax. There’s a lawn for pets (welcome in every Quintain Living home) and a play area with sustainable timber play equipment for younger residents. The cleverly designed BBQ area, meanwhile, has zones that allow residents to be as private or as connected as they wish while using the space. And at the heart of the garden is the circular lawn, which invites families to enjoy the space while feeling a sense of togetherness. “There’s a real sense of serenity to the design of Madison. It’s uncluttered and simple – the perfect space for residents to focus on their health and wellbeing, away from the fast pace of London life. That sense flows through both the internal and external spaces. At the same time, the building is perfectly located for those looking to get the best out of their leisure time, the moment they set foot outside the door and into the Wembley Park neighbourhood.” Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living The apartments themselves are equally restful and are available in two colour palettes – a lighter, sage/beige theme and a darker palette of warm browns and rich blues – while furnishings are curated and provided by John Lewis & Partners. The overall feel is one of warmth and homeliness, with the homes delivering a sense of protection and retreat. At the same time, playfulness is delivered through texture and the creative use of controlled, precise lines that add interest to the space – such as the vertical tiles that lead up to the horizontal storage shelf below the kitchen cupboards. Madison’s bathrooms invite relaxation and harmony. The circular mirror and sink speak to a sense of togetherness, with smooth edges set against the black and white chequered floor delivering a lovely simplicity. Available for occupancy now, Madison provides 381 studios and apartments to rent, ranging from one to three bedrooms. For more information on Quintain Living or to book a viewing, visit www.quintainliving.com, @quintainliving on Instagram or call 020 3151 1927. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open Space and park provision, a new bridge over the Coventry Canal connecting Bedworth with Coventry, additional cycle and pedestrian routes, and extensive infrastructure works. The entire length of the development area is bounded by the Canal, with vehicular access provided from Stockley Road and Sephton Drive – both off Blackhorse Road. The site lies just north of Hawkesbury village, which is served by regular bus routes, schooling and local amenities. Solihull-based Terra purchased the land unconditionally and secured its allocation for 380 residential units, infrastructure and community facilities in the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan, which was adopted in 2019. Detailed Planning Approval for the first phase was granted in 2021, and construction work is well underway by Terra’s sister company Living Space and Vistry Group, who are delivering the first 204 high quality dwellings. The initial tranche of community facilities are nearing completion, including a circa 2,000 sq ft community building with a dedicated car park, allotments, orchard, Public Open Space and a children’s play area, a BMX track, cycle and pedestrian routes – including a new Sustrans link – habitat enhancement, landscaping and associated highway works. James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra said: “Having purchased this 72-acre site unconditionally and then secured the allocation for residential development in Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Borough Plan, we are very pleased to receive a resolution to grant Outline Planning consent for the second phase. This ‘canal village’ is creating a vibrant new community, which is only a five-mile canalside walk or cycle ride into Coventry city centre. The scheme will have a transformative effect on the local area and provide significant community benefits, as well as a total of 380 quality new homes for north Warwickshire.” The 153 open market properties and 51 affordable homes in the first phase will consist of one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, and two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. A striking mixture of red brick and render will feature in the external elevations of the phase one homes. There are four ponds/pools across the site, including Hawkesbury Farm Pool, which will all be retained and will form a key part of the ecology strategy for the scheme. The site is traversed by three public footpaths, which provide links with Hawkesbury Village to the south; Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Bedworth town centre to the west; and along Coventry Canal and beyond to Coventry Way to the north and south. The development will retain these footpaths, with new links to be created north-south and east-west through the centre of the site. The masterplan for the whole 72-acres has been carried out by Hampshire-based Thrive Architects. Terra is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process. Terra has a national reach, having recently secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Terra currently controls 21 sites, with circa 830 acres of residential land that is capable of delivering 4,300 new homes. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
