Despite COP26 now being finished, sustainability and the race towards net zero remain high up on the agenda, with PIT receiving numerous green and sustainability-focused stories on a daily basis. 

This includes Vistry Group’s being ready to start building the first phase of more than 400 homes near Northampton next year, subject to reserved matters consent, with the housebuilder looking to deliver green benefits and contribute £6 million towards a new school.

Vistry – which constructs Bovis Homes and Linden Homes properties – is now on course to construct the 439 homes, including 66 affordable properties, at its Western Gate location on Sandy Lane in Harpole. It’s also very keen on ensuring a green network is in place with tree planting and public footpaths.

The housebuilder’s reserved matters planning application decision is expected at the end of the year, with the section 106 agreement including community contributions towards a primary school, local centre, play facilities, a library and highway work.

The design of Western Gate includes the retention of existing trees and retains green infrastructure that is set to be enhanced through tree planting. Meanwhile, public footpaths will extend through the development linking the existing and proposed network to ensure public and pedestrian access to properties and the surrounding area.

Situated five miles from Northampton town centre, the two, three and four-bedroom homes will have ‘easy access’ to the M1, plenty of local amenities and a selection of ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated schools nearby.

“We are very excited about our Western Gate development and the building of much-needed affordable homes in Harpole,” Andrew Harvey, regional land director at Vistry, commented, adding that ‘these high-quality homes will suit all types of home buyers’.

“A total of 15% of our homes will be affordable housing and our house types will meet Harpole’s needs while ensuring we create a long-lasting community that complements the local environment. Our popular properties will consist of Bovis Homes’ and Linden Homes’ latest housing ranges to offer the highest degree of specification and choice tailored to meet the desires of Vistry’s customers.”

For more information on Western Gate and to register your interest, you can visit www.bovishomes.co.uk or www.lindenhomes.co.uk.