A development in Crewe - that will include more than 200 Plus Dane homes for social rent and affordable home ownership - is making rapid progress.
We’re working with housebuilder Vistry on part of a major new development called Leighton West. The scheme forms part of a wider masterplan for land close to Leighton Hospital and is a key part of Cheshire East’s local plan.
Work began on site in early November, and already 26 of the first phase of 116 homes are underway. Vistry says its use of modern methods of construction and timber frame panels have enabled its builders to get off to a fast start.
The strong early momentum has been matched by increased backing from Homes England, which has confirmed funding for specific areas of land that will comprise the next stages of Leighton West.
Of the 791 homes being built at Leighton West, Vistry will deliver 408, including 208 for us as an affordable housing provider.
We will be making 60% of these (123 homes) available as social rent homes, with the remaining 40% (85 homes) for sale as affordable homes.
In addition to the new homes, the new community will include public spaces including allotments, community orchards, footpaths, cycleways, play spaces, outdoor gyms and green corridors.
The development will also contribute £5.6 million towards local services and facilities, supporting a new mixed-use local centre with community and leisure space, a pub, a children’s day nursery and a site for a new primary school, as well as funding improved cycle links, highway works, NHS support and Travel Plan monitoring.
Chris Morris, Executive Director Customer, Communities and Homes for Plus Dane, said: “We are delighted to see such rapid progress on the Leighton West site, as we are eager to be able to provide more much-needed affordable housing in Cheshire East.
“Plus Dane has a strong track record in delivering good quality new homes within strong and vibrant communities. Our current growth strategy aims to see us building 250 homes a year, and Leighton West will be a big part of us achieving those aims in the coming financial year.”
Matthew Parkes, Managing Director, Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, said: “We are pleased to be on site at Leighton West and to see strong early progress. This is an important development for the area and will play a significant role in boosting local housing supply. Partnering with such a respected housing provider in Plus Dane means we can create a sustainable mix of high-quality homes that genuinely meets local need.”
