Story Homes celebrates a trio of successful land deals in the North East valued at over £187m

Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has recently finalised land deals that will allow the housebuilder to bring forward three new development sites across the North East, which would see the delivery of 635 homes, including 97 affordable properties. The three projects are valued in excess of £187m, representing investment in excess of £133m, including a £9m boost for the local authorities.

The Berrymead Farm site, which will be named Beaumont Grange, has planning permission for 102 new homes, and forms part of a wider scheme which will see Story Homes developing its site alongside land earmarked for the provision of a new Primary and Nursery school.

Story Homes purchased its parcel of land from Edward Yuill/Northumbrian Land & Savills, with whom they exchanged contracts in December 2021, and have now successfully completed the purchase following the receipt of reserved matters planning consent in December 2022.

The development will deliver affordable housing, and contributions will be made in line with the Section 106 Agreement (S106), towards sports provision, and cycling, walking and offsite highways improvements.

Amanda Stephenson, land manager at Story Homes said: “I’m delighted that we have successfully completed the purchase of this fantastic site in Darlington. There were complex elements to navigate through, but we’re pleased to have successfully worked with Edward Yuill/ Northumbrian Land and Savills to reach the final agreed deal.”

The housebuilder has also secured the land at the former Ever Ready Industrial Estate in Tanfield, County Durham. This brownfield site was granted outline planning consent in January 2017. A reserved matters application has been submitted which seeks to deliver 280 new homes, and the housebuilder hopes for a decision in summer 2023.

Dan Chant, senior land manager for Story Homes said: “Our proposed development on this brownfield site will not only improve the look of the area but will deliver multiple benefits to the local community during the construction phase and beyond, as well as direct and indirect employment opportunities for local people through subcontractors and the supply chain.”

Story Homes will invest a total of £284,000 into the area through S106 contributions; £15,000 of which will go towards bus infrastructure, whilst £125,000 will go towards a bus service. Of the remaining funds, £60,000 will be contributed to the creation of a cycleway and footpath and the final £84,000 will go towards sports facilities.

In addition to the above, Story Homes is also planning to deliver 253 new homes on the site known as Allens West in Eaglescliffe. The development, which will be named Sadler Woods, will form part of a wider 845 home site.

Story Homes has entered into a Joint Venture with landowner, Home Group, and will build all 253 of the new homes, taking responsibility for selling the open market properties, whilst Home Group will take responsibility for the affordable housing.

Stuart Morgan, land director for Story Homes said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the completion of these three land deals, which clearly demonstrate that Story Homes continues to be active in the North East, further building on our proven track record of acquiring land for housing, unlocking its potential, and delivering high quality new homes in the region.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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