Elan Homes has acquired its fourth Lancashire site, with work underway in Goosnargh near Preston. The 3.35 acre site along Henry Littler Way, part of the former Whittingham Hospital that closed in 1995, is being redeveloped to provide hundreds of homes under the stewardship of the landowner, Homes England.
Philip Palmer, land director for Elan Homes in the North, explained: “The land we’re developing forms part of a larger scheme to redevelop the former hospital site and deliver much-needed new homes as identified by Preston City Council’s adopted Local Plan. Homes England had a specific agenda to target SME developers like Elan for parts of the scheme and our offer was successful following a competitive land bid process.”
Elan’s plans for 21 homes has been approved by planners, offering a mix of three and four-bedroom semi-detached and detached designs, set amongst the established landscaped setting. Groundworks have taken place and construction of the homes is due to start this summer.
Elan will also create a wildflower meadow, providing homes for nature and an outdoor space residents can enjoy, set amongst an ecological bat house, seeking to improve the biodiversity credentials of the new neighbourhood.
Land has been set aside opposite the development for a new primary school. Funding has already been paid from this phase’s section 106 obligations that will contribute £400,000 towards the new school, with neighbouring development partners and Homes England providing further funding over the course of the wider development.
While the planning policy target is for 20% of homes to comply with Life Time Homes standards, 61% of properties being built by Elan will be built to this specification, meaning they will be easy to adapt to occupiers’ changing needs.
Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, added: “Our new development in Goosnargh is a further indication of our commitment to Lancashire. There is a particular demand in the local area for larger family homes with gardens and off-street parking and this development successfully meets those needs. With electric vehicle charging points and great commuter links, we are confident these homes will be popular with commuting professionals and families who want to benefit from village life.”
As part of its Lancashire expansion plan, which has seen the independent housebuilder commit to providing quality homes in sought-after locations across the county, Elan already has other developments in the area. Wrea Green Meadows near Bryning was the first development launched, while work is continuing at nearby Redwood Gardens, located between Lytham St Annes and Blackpool. The company has also been named as the preferred developer to deliver 76 new homes in Lower Darwen, Blackburn.
