Land purchase paves way for 1,500 homes

Mixed tenure developer Countryside has completed the purchase of a parcel of land from Drakelow Park Group where it intends to build approximately 1,500 homes.Countryside’s plans for the approximately 197-acre site include its commitment to build a third river crossing to replace the 1940s single-lane Bailey Bridge in Walton-on-Trent, building work for which is anticipated to begin this year.The company is currently developing plans for Drakelow Park, which sits on the east bank of the River Trent, south of Burton on the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The developer is expected to carry out extensive public consultation over the coming months ahead of its submission of a detailed planning application.Subject to planning permission, the first phase of the development will comprise approximately 1,000 homes, of which 400 will be affordable housing through Countryside’s registered partner Midland Heart, 200 will be available for private rent with 400 homes for sale through a range of buying initiatives.A further 500 homes will be delivered in the development’s second phase.Work on site will also include the refurbishment of the grade II-listed former Drakelow Hall stable and will add to the 193 homes currently under construction.