Five years after plans were first submitted, work has started to transform a brownfield site in Middleton for new homes.
Proposals for the 4.38 acre site on Boothroyden Road were first put to planners in 2015. The land was acquired by Elan in summer 2019 with reserved matters approval to build 67 homes across 3.9 acres.
Several steel framed storage buildings and large areas of hardstanding have been cleared to make way for the new homes at the development, known as Millfields.
Philip Palmer, land director for Elan Homes in the North, said: “Developing brownfield sites is priority for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which has outlined a commitment to supply 201,000 new homes by 2037. With scheme like Millfields in Middleton, Elan is contributing to that target.
“We know from our market and planning research that there is pent up demand for housing in Middleton and the wider Greater Manchester area, particularly for family homes, and this has informed the mix of properties we’re building.”
Millfields, will offer a choice of two, three and four-bedroom semi-detached and detached designs.
Homes will range in size from 692 sq ft to 1,298 sq ft and will benefit from a combination of parking spaces and a range of detached/integral single garages.
The site will be delivered to latest building regulation requirements and the required local policy 10% energy saving is to be delivered via renewable/low carbon sources. For example, homes will feature shower heat recovery units and triple glazed windows.
As part of Elan’s commitment to the environment, mature Manchester Poplar trees along the boundary of the River Irk are being retained, with homes at the southern end of the site look out towards the trees and river.
Elan will also contribute £81,076 towards the improvements of recreational open space in Alkrington Woods and Rhodes Lodges Site of Biological Importance.
“Groundworks have now started at Millfields and we’re also keen to acquire additional land across Greater Manchester and the wider North West to help meet demand for new homes,” Philip added.
“We would be keen to hear about brownfield sites across the region capable of delivering 20 to 150 new homes.”
Elan has a proven track record in Greater Manchester, having previously built in Audenshaw and Stockport. The company is currently building at Derwent Court in Chorlton.
It’s anticipated that the show home and marketing suite at Millfields will open in spring/early summer 2020.