Developer starts work on more than 200 houses at former colliery

Developer starts work on more than 200 houses at former collieryAvant Homes North Yorkshire has started construction on a 17-acre site at Skelton Lakes in Leeds to deliver 215 new-build homes.The scheme has a gross development value (GDV) of around £60m.Located just off Pontefract Lane five miles from Leeds city centre, the development will comprise a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes.Called Greenlock Place, the development received planning permission in March this year. The overall build programme is estimated to take around four years.The site was purchased from Templegate Developments, a joint venture (JV) between Evans Property Group and Keyland Developments.The JV plans to create a community of 1,800 new homes, a primary and secondary school, public open space, a local centre and a convenience store on the former open cast colliery site at Skelton Gates.Of Avant Homes’ 215 homes being built, 15% have been designated to affordable housing. Avant Homes has also committed to a community contribution of £1.1m towards local primary school provision, public transport and infrastructure.The first homes are scheduled to be ready for occupation in September 2023.Avant Homes North Yorkshire managing director, Matt Oldfield, said: “Greenlock Place is a landmark development for our growing regional portfolio and we are pleased to be extending our presence with 215 new homes at the development.“The regeneration of Skelton Lakes will create a new community for the local area and our high-quality homes will place a key role in this. We look forward to seeing our development progress in the coming months.”