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Work starting on eco-friendly development in a Bedfordshire village

Work is underway to create eco-friendly homes next to a new country park and lakes in a Bedfordshire village.

L&Q Estates, one of the UK’s leading strategic land developers, has sold 8.5 acres of land to Hayfield at the site off Shefford Road in Clophill.

L&Q Estates originally acquired the site in 2014 and submitted two planning applications, one for the country park and one for housing following a significant amount of consultation with, and the support of, Clophill Parish Council.

The housebuilder will be creating 50 houses, including 18 affordable properties, which will be managed by Hightown Housing Association, adjacent to the Clophill Lakes country park which is soon to be developed.

Planning permission has already been secured for the mix of bungalows and two, three, four and five-bedroom homes at the development.

The eco-efficient homes will feature Air Source Heat Pumps, energy-efficient underfloor heating, electric vehicle fast-charging points, and ultra-fast broadband. Hayfield is also providing a children’s play area as part of the development.

Environmental charity The Greensand Trust took over management of Clophill Lakes in February and will establish a new 118-hectare nature reserve to conserve and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and heritage.

The scheme, funded in part by L&Q Estates, will also involve public open spaces, new habitats for wildlife, tree planting and a pond with wetland wildflowers while the vast majority of existing trees and hedgerows will also be retained and enhanced.

Darren Mace, Projects Director at Warwick-based L&Q Estates, said the nature reserve would provide a major benefit to residents.

He said: “This sale was many years in the making due to the complicated nature of the site being a former Fuller’s Earth quarry with multiple challenges around its previous use from ground conditions to legal covenants.

“This demonstrates the ability of L&Q Estates to deal with complex sites, and bring them to a successful conclusion.”

Ben Adams, Land Director at Hayfield, added: “We are looking forward to providing our quality homes for the people of Bedfordshire in a traditional village setting, next to nearly 300 acres of new waterside parkland, which will be very special indeed.

“With planning already secured, we are thrilled to have commenced construction.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .