North East construction company Tolent has completed a land-led deal in partnership with Karbon Homes, which will see the design and construction of 64 affordable houses in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
The 2.07 hectare site was identified by the Gateshead contractor, who approached Karbon to outline the potential of owning stock in the area. Karbon and Tolent, together with a team of architects and engineers, reviewed constraints and developed a suitable masterplan for the site, culminating in an offer for the land.
The site was later purchased by Karbon Homes and a construction contract was agreed with Tolent that came into effect from 25th March 2022. Groundworks have now commenced on site and currently Tolent’s team is undertaking site establishment works and infrastructure works.
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The project will see construction of 64 houses, divided between 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units of which 17 houses will be of 2 bedrooms; 32 houses of 3 bedrooms; and 15 houses of 4 bedrooms. The site is located on Back Lane in Sowerby and is well connected to a range of facilities including a GP practice, primary and secondary schools, and a shopping complex, all within a walking distance – making the land an attractive option for housing.
The land is also at the edge of the Thirsk and Sowerby conservation areas, which has been factored into the character and detailing of the project’s design to reflect and maintain the heritage of the town.
Harry Bell, Development Director at Tolent, said: “We are a multidisciplinary contractor, with experience and competence in development management including budget establishment and management, which has paved the path for us to get involved in fantastic projects throughout the years. We are also working on another remarkable project at South Seaham Garden Village, except we were also the landowners in the arrangement who eventually sold the land to three other parties including Karbon Homes.
“We are especially thrilled to work on this project as it feels more personal. We had been involved in this from the get-go and have had a grand vision for this development since the time we identified the land.”
Zoey Hawthorne, assistant director of development delivery at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Tolent to bring these much-needed affordable homes to the Hambleton area. It is a beautiful place to live and as a result, there is a high demand for the good quality housing options that this development will provide.
“We’ve designed a development that meets the needs of the local community, ensuring a mix of property types and sizes which provide options for a range of households and help create a mixed community. We hope local people will welcome these new homes.”
The project will include additional pedestrian and cycle links to the east and west of the site, to encourage alternate means of transport. These efforts are in an attempt to enhance the natural and built environments, a key aspiration for the site.
Louise Woof, Planner at ELG Planning, said: “We are delighted to see this scheme coming to fruition after a drawn out planning process. It is great that the team managed to secure the right outcome for our clients Karbon Homes and Tolent. We look forward to seeing the development progress and deliver much needed affordable housing in the area.”
Following the original planning application being rejected, both Tolent and Karbon have worked tirelessly during the appeal process to make the project a reality and bring much-needed, high-quality homes to the local area. The site is set to be completed by mid of 2024.
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