Strategic land promoter Catesby Estates has sold a 162-acre development site in Braintree, Essex, to Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties for an undisclosed price.
The Straits Mill site has outline planning consent for up to 1,000 new homes – including 30% affordable housing, a new primary school and early years provision, a local retail centre and employment space.
The site was secured by Catesby Estates as part of its acquisition of L&Q Estates. Five landowners entered into a promotion agreement in 2017 and the site securing outline planning approval in 2021.
Adrian Clack, group land director at Catesby Estates, said: “Straits Mill is an impressive site, but it also came with a number of technical and title challenges and so it is testament to the team for securing its allocation within the council’s adopted local plan and subsequently receiving outline consent for a scheme that will have long lasting benefits for its residents and surrounding community. Catesby Estates is now delighted to have sold the land to Barratt and David Wilson Homes, and we look forward to seeing the company transform the site into a thriving new community.
“This announcement comes as we gear up to what we expect to be an exceptional year for Catesby Estates. The acquisition of L&Q Estates has played a significant role in us achieving this success as not only have we gained impressive new talent but the quality of, and demand for, its additional sites has allowed us to cement our position as one of the leading strategic land promoters in the UK.”
Matthew Lees, development director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, added: “Straits Mill is an exciting acquisition that will be a cornerstone development for us. The site will allow us to deliver our quality brands of Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Redrow, offering homes for first-time buyers, families, and those looking for high-quality, energy-efficient living spaces.
“We thank Catesby Estates for securing this complex but exciting opportunity and look forward to delivering a healthy new community environment in which to live and work within Braintree, set within open green spaces and woodland, with sports and play areas, cycleways, bridleway and walking routes to enjoy, as well as new community facilities and infrastructure.”
Shakespeare Martineau acted for Catesby Estates and the landowners were represented by Strutt & Parker (BNP Paribas Real Estate) Savills and Tees Law. Osborne Clarke advised Barratt and David Wilson Homes.
