455 home development in Bedworth given green light

A 455-home high-quality development, district centre and 55 later living units will be built in Bedworth after being given the go-ahead by councillors – following support by planning experts at Marrons.

The Hospital Lane scheme – led by land promoter Richborough – will provide a range of one to five-bedroomed properties, 25% of which will be affordable. All properties will have secure, on-plot cycle storage, while those with dedicated parking will also be fitted with electric vehicle charge points.

It will also deliver open spaces spanning 8.9 hectares, including an equipped children’s play area, outdoor and green gym, community orchard and allotment, and wildlife park.

The land, known as HSG5, was included in Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s ‘borough plan’ as a designated area for houses, which is part of the local authority’s strategy to deliver at least 14,060 new homes between 2011 and 2031.

Anabel Christmas, regional director at Richborough Estates, said: “This is a very well-designed and located development and I’m pleased that it has been granted outline planning permission.

“Richborough’s specialism is bringing forward high-quality places and value to all stakeholders and this scheme is no exception. It will help answer housing need in the area and deliver extensive community facilities.

“I’d like to thank Marrons and the whole team for reaching this milestone. Following a marketing campaign, we’re now looking forward to securing a development partner.”

A bus route will run through the heart of the development to maximise connections with the existing transport network and promote sustainable travel methods. Two vehicular access points from Hospital Lane will also be created, alongside new cycle and walkable routes.

The scheme – located just eight and nine-minutes from Bedworth town centre and train station, respectively – will include a 1.4 hectare district centre, offering a variety of uses to support and enhance both the emerging and existing community, while contributing to the wider development’s vibrancy, character and sense of place.

On behalf of the landowner Nicholas Chamberlaine Trust, the proposals have been designed to support the principles and core values of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s ‘Coming Home’ report.

David Pendle, partner at Marrons, who led the planning application, said: “We are absolutely delighted this development has been given the go-ahead. The housing emergency in this country is well-documented and this brand-new inclusive community in a sustainable location is a huge step towards addressing this crisis.

“Furthermore, the number of people over 65 in the UK is expected to increase by 41% over the next 20 years. However, less than 3% of the country’s housing stock is geared towards the retirement market. It is fantastic that this development will address the increasing, immediate and critical need for later living properties.

“Richborough has an outstanding track record of delivering residential schemes across the country efficiently. We are looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition, which will act as a catalyst to drive forward significant and sustainable growth within the town.”

The project will create around 683 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, while the local economy will also benefit from increased footfall in local shops and businesses.