Godwin Developments, the property arm of Godwin Group, has submitted planning for a development of 60 new BTR (build to rent) family homes on Watch House Lane in Bentley, Doncaster.
Comprising a mix of two and three bedroom homes, the new development is set to be the first of its kind in Doncaster. BTR homes are designed and built specifically for the rental market and, given the diverse needs of renters, a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply won’t work. Therefore, developers are seeing an increasing need to build high quality, low maintenance homes which are perfect for investors as they are easier to market.
The Government has previously committed to delivering 300,000 homes a year by the mid 2020’s. However recent statistics put the amount at around 177,000 a year in 2017-2018. The annual number being built has so far not exceeded 224,000 homes. So BTR housing has been suggested as one of the keys that could unlock the shortage of new homes being built in the UK each year.
Richard Cornes, managing director at Godwin Developments said: “This will be an exciting scheme for us, we hope to develop 60 BTR homes on this former brownfield site. As the UK is currently experiencing a housing shortage crisis, this investment will bring much needed quality housing stock to the local area and community.
“This will be our first housing development in Doncaster where we hope to regenerate a former industrial site and reinvigorate the local area with a carefully designed scheme to fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood. The scheme includes sympathetically designed homes with open green spaces and ample parking for residents.”
The London studio of multi-disciplinary practice, rg+p has designed the new scheme to both complement and improve connections with its surroundings. Architectural director, Grant Giblett explains: “Located in a suburban area of Doncaster, the site has been redundant for approximately a decade and is in desperate need of regeneration. The homes feature a robust and simple material palette however the architecture form and expression create interest to the character of the development.
“Alongside the new homes, our design allows for the provision of a future connection with the Trans Pennine Trail, as this runs parallel with one of the site boundaries, and links with large open space at the heart of the scheme which will instil a sense of community as well as a safe and vibrant place to live.”
Announcement of this development follows a period of sustained growth for Godwin Group which includes the launch of its London office last year followed by the launch of the Core Living brand, which will solely focus on BTR homes.