Member Article

Blueoak secure planning on trailblazing Eco scheme

Blueoak Estates, developer of luxury, sustainable homes across the North West, has secured planning to build 21 units at Lache Lane in Chester, the first housing scheme in Cheshire West and Chester to meet local Government’s enhanced environmental standards.

The 21-unit site offers 10 different house types, ranging from one to four bedrooms, with several homes sitting within the ‘rightsizer’ category, whilst others will be available to buy under the affordable housing model.

Blueoak has worked in close partnership with the Majory Boddy Trust, former owners of the land, throughout the design and consultation phase to develop the site in a way which would enhance and benefit the local community. All sales resulting from the disposal of the land are being directed to the Trust and allocated to charities specifically located in the Cheshire West and Chester area.

Iain MacLean, Managing Director of Blueoak Estates explained: “This is an incredibly exciting project that will create an ambitious mixed tenure scheme, whilst enhancing the local environment through aspirational eco credentials.”

Upon completion, the site will become a more ecologically diverse one that includes the retention and enhancement of an existing pond (or waterway), native grassland areas, extensive hedgerow and tree planting, as well as a significant area of open, communal space.

In terms of the construction, the site design team will employ a fabric-first approach to building regulations, including the use of photovoltaic panels and heat recovery systems for the boiler and shower systems. This will generate a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of at least 19% against the Target Emission Rate of Part L under current Building Regulations.

Water usage per will be also be reduced to 110l per person per day against the Building Regulations requirement of 125l per person per day. Electric vehicle charging points will be supplied to all homes.

Iain added: “Initial prep works will begin imminently when we’ll start the careful and sensitive clearance of the site, preserving areas of ecological interest ahead of any construction works.

“The house types have been designed to reflect a contemporary interpretation of the arts and crafts style found along Lache Lane and the more established suburban areas of Curzon and Glan Aber Park without resorting to simple pastiche. Proportions and a high quality material palette featuring stock bricks, natural clay tiles, cementitious slates and flush sash windows are key to the success of this approach.

“Natural daylight and ventilation through the use of Velux rooflights are also key considerations in every Blueoak scheme with this being particularly important in the post-COVID world; the change in working patterns is reflected in the provision of dedicated home working spaces in most properties.”

Ian concluded: “This is a high quality scheme on many levels that pushes new boundaries in terms of quality, sustainability, design and development.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by amber burns .