Hat-trick of land deals for Story Homes
The housebuilder is gearing up to deliver 635 homes across the North East following deals with Home Group and Northumbrian Land.
Transactions have been completed that will allow Story to progress sites in Darlington, Tanfield and Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, with a combined value of £187m.
Beaumont Grange, Darlington – 102 homes
The Berrymead Farm site, which will be named Beaumont Grange, has planning permission for 102 homes, and forms part of a wider scheme which will see Story develop its site alongside land earmarked for a primary school and nursery.
Cumbria-based Story purchased its parcel of land from Edward Yuill/Northumbrian Land, represented by Savills, exchanging contracts in December 2021, and have now successfully completed the purchase following reserved matters consent.
Ray Minto, director of development at Savills, said: “The deal between Northumbrian Land and Story Homes brings together two well established businesses that take pride in bringing forward high quality developments.
“We are confident that the team at Story Homes will create a development that will enhance the local area and make the best use of the land, and we’re looking forward to seeing the plans come to fruition.”
The development will deliver affordable housing, and contributions will be made towards sports provision, active travel and offsite highways improvements.
Land at Tanfield, County Durham – 280 homes
The housebuilder has also secured the land at a former Ever Ready industrial site in Tanfield, a brownfield plot given outline consent in January 2017. A reserved matters application has been submitted detailing plans for 280 new homes, with a decision hoped for in summer 2023.
Dan Chant, senior land manager for Story Homes, said: “Our proposed development on this brownfield site will not only improve the look of the area but will deliver multiple benefits to the local community during the construction phase and beyond, as well as direct and indirect employment opportunities for local people through subcontractors and the supply chain.”
Around half of the £280,000 Section 106 contribution will fund bus infrastructure and services.
Sadler Woods, Eaglescliffe – 253 homes
Story Homes is also planning to deliver 253 homes on the site known as Allens West in Eaglescliffe. The development, which will be named Sadler Woods, will form part of a wider 845-home site.
The housebuilder has entered into a joint venture with landowner Home Group under which it will deliver all 253 homes and sell the open-market houses, with Home taking responsibility for the affordable element.
Stuart Morgan, land director for Story Homes, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the completion of these three land deals, which clearly demonstrate that Story Homes continues to be active in the North East, further building on our proven track record of acquiring land for housing, unlocking its potential, and delivering high quality new homes in the region.”
