Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has bought 88 acres of development land for 1,100 new homes and community facilities north of Ipswich in a sale completed by agent Fenn Wright for private clients. The land forms the western half of the housebuilder’s Henley Gate scheme, part of the wider Ipswich Garden Suburb, a strategic allocation of land for around 3,500 homes. Outline planning permission was granted in January 2020 for the Henley Gate scheme which will also include a new 75 acre country park and other community and shopping facilities. A reserved matters application has been submitted for the first phase of housing, infrastructure and the country park. Alistair Mitchell, partner at Fenn Wright, said:“It took a great deal of time and patience to negotiate and conclude this transaction for all parties concerned. However, we are delighted to have completed the sale on behalf of our clients and wish Crest Nicholson every success with their scheme which we look forward to seeing unfold over the coming years”. Fenn Wright is also marketing a further 7.45 acre site in Westerfield, where it has received strong interest.
Separately, a joint venture to promote a new development founded on ‘garden city’ principles, on over 1,350 acres of strategic land at Westley Green east of Cambridge has been launched by The Hill Group and L & Q Estates. The two developers were selected by the landowner to promote the scheme, with potential for up to 8, 500 homes, to the emerging Greater Cambridge and East Cambridgeshire local plans.