ELAN Homes has acquired its fourth new homes site in Lancashire with work now underway in Goosnargh to redevelop land that was formerly part of the grounds of a hospital.
The company has acquired a 3.35 acre site along Henry Littler Way – part of the former Whittingham Hospital, which closed in 1995 and is being redeveloped to provide hundreds of homes – under the stewardship of the landowner, Homes England.
Philip Palmer, land director for Elan Homes in the North explained: “The land we’re developing forms part of a much larger scheme to redevelop the former hospital site and deliver much needed new homes as identified by Preston City Council’s adopted Local Plan. Homes England had a specific agenda to target SME developers like Elan for parts of the scheme and our offer was successful following a competitive land bid process.”
Elan’s plans for 21 homes, offering a mix of three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached designs, set amongst the established landscaped setting, have been approved by planners.
Groundworks have taken place and construction of the homes is due to start this summer.
Elan already has other developments in Lancashire. Wrea Green Meadows off Bryning Lane was the first development launched in the county by Elan as part of an expansion plan which has seen the independent housebuilder commit to providing quality homes in sought-after locations across Lancashire.
At nearby Redwood Gardens, a new development located between Lytham St Annes and Blackpool, a collection of three and four-bedroom homes is also being created by Elan, whilst the company has also been named as the preferred developer to deliver 76 new homes in Lower Darwen, Blackburn.
At Goosnargh, along with the new family homes, Elan will create a wildflower meadow, helping to create homes for nature and an outdoor space residents can enjoy, set amongst an ecological bat house, seeking to improve the biodiversity credentials of the new neighbourhood.
Land has been set aside opposite the Elan homes development for a new primary school. Funding has already been paid from this phases’ section 106 obligations that will contribute £400,000 towards the new school, with neighbouring development partners and Homes England providing further funding over the course of the wider development.
While the planning policy target is for 20% of homes to comply with Life Time Homes standards, 61% of properties being built by Elan will be built to this specification, meaning they will be easy to adapt t occupiers changing needs.
Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, added: “Our new development in Goosnargh is a further indication of our commitment to Lancashire.
“It will be a really special place to live, with a wealth of features on its doorstep, including great schools, stunning countryside and the classic village green, a feature which brings communities together.
“There is a particular demand in the local area for larger family homes with gardens and off-street parking and this development successfully meets those needs.
“With electric vehicle charging points and great commuter links, we are confident these homes will be popular with commuting professionals and families who want to benefit from village life.”
The homes will benefit from being in the heart of an established community with excellent commuter links to Preston, the M6 and M55 and the Fylde coast.
Home of the famous cornfed chicken and duck, supplied to the country’s finest chefs, Goosnargh is also known for its quintessential village green, a stunning church with wooden roof and local historic inn, The Grapes, designated a heritage pub by Camra.
Homes at the Elan development are expected to be marketed later this year.
