Vistry buys in Sandymoor for 335 homes

The developer has bought land in Runcorn from Homes England for an undisclosed sum, and intends to bring forward a £75m residential scheme.

Vistry Partnerships already has planning permission, secured from Halton Council in 2019, to develop 235 houses and 100 extra care apartments on the site in Sandymoor.

The developer is now looking to start construction on the scheme, called Hatters Chase, later this year.

Vistry Partnerships is part of the Vistry Group formed after the acquisition of Linden Homes by Bovis Homes last year.

The Runcorn deal comes after Homes England last April selected Vistry as its preferred delivery partner for the proposed scheme in Sandymoor, as well as for three other sites across the UK.

Vistry plans to deliver the Sandymoor scheme in a joint venture with housing provider Together Housing. Under the agreement, the pair will deliver a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties available for open market sale via Vistry’s housebuilding arm Linden Homes.

In addition, Vistry will build a 100-unit extra care apartment facility to be owned and managed by the local housing association, Halton Housing. This retirement living complex will comprise one- and two-bedroom flats as well as a bistro restaurant and multi-use room open to the public as well as residents.

The development also includes play areas, a bridleway and cycling routes. The entire scheme is targeted to complete in 2024.

Ian Hilliker, managing director for the North West at Vistry Partnerships, said: “The acquisition is great news for Vistry. The Hatters Chase development will provide new homes for first-time buyers, growing families and elderly residents, and will be a huge boost to the local area.”

Stephen Kinsella, chief land and development officer at Homes England, added: “While the housebuilding industry is facing a challenging time, it’s vital that we continue to work with partners to create development opportunities like this to help the sector recover.”