Soothill_Case_study

KEY FACTS:Legal Completion:October 2021Start on Site:October 2021Duration:5 yearsMarket Valuec.£70mDevelopment Type:Partnership withKirklees CouncilDevelopment Partner:Kirklees Council & LeedsFederated Housing (Affordable)Total Plots:319 using Modern MethodsOpen Market Sales:255Affordable Housing:64SOOTHILLSoothill Lane, Batley, WF17 6EYThe Soothill housing development is located in Batley, Kirkleesand was competitively tendered through the Homes EnglandDPP3 system in 2019.The scheme benefited from the support of Homes EnglandAccelerated Grant funding of £4Million to deliver at Pace, usingmodern methods of construction and was to be utilised on the siteinfrastructure works. At the core we aim to create sustainablecommunities by regenerating housing and creating newcommunity facilities, amenities and green spaces.The site incorporating 64 RSL units plus255 OMS units in partnership with Kirkleesouncil. The development is situated on c.30acres of agricultural land and adjoinsexisting housing and amenities such asschools and care home facilities.The development has been allocated withinthe local plan for some time but has beenheavily constrained by topographicalchallenges which gives approximately 51mfall from the Northern entrance to theSouthern entrance, existing ground issues,existing watercourses and public rights ofway.Whilst being within a 15 minute drive to theM62, sales values are predominantly low inthe area and this has hindered its previousdevelopment capacity. The funding securedfrom Homes England has enabled thisscheme to deliver NDS Standard units, at apace of 5.4 units per month using timberframe and advanced manufacturingmethods.The development where possible retainsexisting hedges, trees and provides over10 acres of Public Open Space, whichincludes Orchards, lots of new trees, LAP'sand LEAP's with a benefit to Bio DiversityNet Gain of 10%+. Following detaileddiscussions with the local authority, muchemphasis was placed on connectivitybetween Soothill Lane and Mill Forest Way,with upgraded PRoW's and better access tothe existing school considered key to theoverall scheme.Alongside these benefits the SoothillHousing scheme will deliver policycompliant affordable housing of 20% inpartnership with Leeds Federated Housing.This was a key requirement of the tenderand the development will look to completeon or before December 2026.