Details have been released of the long-awaited plan to re-develop the former East Riding College site in Beverley for high quality housing.

Beverley-based award winning house builder, Peter Ward Homes, has teamed up with Wright Homes, of Hull, to create what many believe will be one of the most sought-after residential addresses to be offered in the town in the past 20 years.

It is already being seen as an important step forward in the town’s long-term regeneration since it represents a key element in the proposed relocation of the College from its present site at Gallows Lane, Molescroft, to the new Flemingate development south of the town centre.

Conversion of the site from its present use to housing will dramatically reduce the amount of traffic – vehicular, bicycles and pedestrian – along Beverley’s picturesque North Bar Without and New Walk. The proposed relocation of the College would take students closer to the town centre services and shops and to public transport.

Peter Ward, whose company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2008, said: “We’re looking forward to being part of the joint venture with Wright Homes, another well respected local builder, and both companies are excited at the prospect of transforming a bustling educational site into a tranquil and high quality residential development.

“There is no doubt that if the plan is approved this will become one of the most sought-after locations in the town and with that in mind the design team will be creating an elegant scheme wholly appropriate to the setting.”

The College site extends to 9.23 acres but the ‘developable area’ is just 6.43 acres. The Peter Ward Homes/Wright Homes plan, which is the subject of an outline planning application to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, is for up to 35 homes at a density of just 5.5 houses per acre.

Peter Ward said: “The quality of the area calls for low-density development. In addition, we have taken into account the local fauna and established trees that will form an integral part of the scheme. Within the site, there will be a mix of heritage cobbles and block paving that will blend comfortably with the surrounding woodland.”

Peter Ward Homes, the only company in the area to win the coveted British Housebuilder of the Year Gold Award, recently commenced a £70m programme to build 400 new homes over the next four years at sites at Goole, Immingham, Driffield, Hornsea and South Cave.

The company has stressed that the Gallows Lane development is very much at the outline planning stage and that it hopes to be able to provide material, including artist’s impressions of the homes, for public viewing in the next few weeks along with an indication of the property prices.

Notes to Editors
Established in 1978, Peter Ward Homes is one of Yorkshire’s most progressive homebuilders. Based in Beverley, the company is headed by Peter Ward, who trained as a chartered surveyor. His team’s experience has led to the company’s success in a large number of residential developments. The company employs 100 people and has a turnover of £15m.

Awards include Certificate Winner, British Housebuilder Awards 2004; NHBC Pride in the Job Award 2000; NHBC Pride in the Job Award – Northern Regional Winner 1999 and British Housebuilder of the Year Award – Gold Award Winner 1999.

Issued on behalf of Peter Ward Homes by The Public Relations Company, Suite 7, Hesslewood Business Centre, Ferriby Road, Hessle HU13 0LH. For further information please contact Mike Stathers (01482) 647575 or email mike@tprc.co.uk