Land promoter Richborough has completed the sale of two residential development sites in Bedfordshire and Solihull.
In Cranfield, Bedfordshire (pictured), Richborough has sold an 11-hectare site with a GDV of approximately £75m to Bellway Northern Home Counties Division.
The site, which has outline planning consent for up to 180 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, was sold by the Turner family and St Albans Diocese.
Hannah Deverell, disposals director at Richborough, said: “This is a fantastic outcome for the landowners and for Cranfield. From the outset, our goal was to secure a consent that not only unlocked the site’s potential but also delivered meaningful benefits to the local community. We’re delighted to be working with Bellway, a trusted housebuilder with a proven reputation for quality.”
Paul Smits, managing director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, added: “Bellway has a strong track record of building private and affordable homes to meet the needs of communities throughout Bedfordshire. This sustainable new development in Cranfield further extends our commitment to the area. Our scheme will deliver a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes as well as two-bedroom bungalows for private sale as well as a range of much needed affordable housing. The development will enhance biodiversity, create jobs and support the local economy. We will be submitting our reserved matters application shortly and intend construction works to commence in 2026.”
Matthew Dawson, associate at Bidwells which represented the landowners on the sale, said: “The owners were clear they wanted to sell this land to a buyer with the best intentions to build community and deliver much-needed homes to the area, so we are really pleased with this outcome.”
Richborough has also completed the sale of a 110-plot site at Balsall Common, Solihull, to housebuilder Charles Church. The former greenfield site was granted outline planning consent earlier this year under the government’s new ‘grey belt’ legislation. The plans for the site comprise a new residential neighbourhood of around 110 dwellings, 50% of which will be affordable.
Deverell said: “From the outset, our priority has been to unlock this land in a way that delivers both high-quality homes and meaningful community benefits. Initially designated as greenbelt but sensibly falling within the new ‘grey belt’ rules, this site is indicative of how the revised NPPF can bring forward smaller sites that expand communities sustainably. We are delighted to be partnering with Persimmon, a respected national housebuilder, to bring this site to life.”
Emily Berville Charlesworth, head of land at Charles Church Central, added: “Situated close to both Coventry and Solihull, the site sits within an established community with schools, shops and green space close by and benefits from excellent transport connections. It is a perfect site for Charles Church to establish a new community, delivering a mix of homes that respond to local needs while reflecting the character of Balsall Common.”
