#LevellingUpHomeBuildingFund

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Government Fund Boosts Cornwall Housing Project

A Milestone in Affordable Housing

Addressing the Housing Demand in Bodmin Bodmin, a region with a high demand for housing, is set to witness a transformative development project. Furthermore, bunnyhomes, known for its commitment to building quality homes, has secured funding from Homes England through the Government’s Levelling Up Home Building Fund. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by small and medium-sized housebuilders in obtaining traditional funding.   Bunnyhomes' Largest Project Yet The project, located at the 14-acre John the Watchmaker’s Great Country Park, is Bunnyhomes’ most ambitious undertaking to date. Additionally, it includes the construction of 51 affordable homes, designed to cater to the needs of local residents and enable them to stay connected to their community and way of life.   Designing for Diversity and Inclusivity A significant portion of the affordable homes will be accessible and adaptable, featuring elements suitable for older individuals and those with reduced mobility. This thoughtful approach further underscores Bunnyhomes’ commitment to inclusivity and diversity in housing solutions.   A Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality The new neighborhood, encompassing 95 homes for sale and 24 apartments for rent, is not just about functionality but also aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from Georgian architecture, the design of these homes promises to create visually appealing street scenes, enhancing the overall look and feel of the area.   Ecological Considerations and Enhancements In line with sustainable development goals, the scheme includes ecological improvements such as a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. The incorporation of meadow planting, bird boxes, and bee bricks further signifies Bunnyhomes’ dedication to environmental stewardship.   Comments from Homes England and Bunnyhomes Christine Mann from Homes England lauded the project as an embodiment of quality and well-designed affordable homes in central Bodmin. She emphasized the role of bunnyhomes in employing local trades, thus contributing to the local economy. Andy Naylor of Bunnyhomes highlighted the growing relationship with Homes England and the significance of the funding in enabling their expansion in Cornwall and Devon. He stressed the importance of building quality homes for local residents.   The Future of Housing in Bodmin This funding is a crucial step towards fulfilling the housing needs in Bodmin. It not only addresses the immediate demand for affordable homes but also sets a precedent for future developments that prioritize community, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.  

To Sum-Up

The government's funding for the bunnyhomes housing project in Bodmin marks a significant advancement in the provision of affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing solutions. This initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Homes England and local builders like bunnyhomes in creating communities that cater to diverse needs while fostering economic growth and ecological balance. As the project unfolds, it is poised to become a benchmark for future housing developments across the UK.   Sources: THX News & Homes England. Read the full article

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Empowering Dreams: Levelling Up Home Building

The Levelling Up Home Building Fund is designed for housebuilders based in England, that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Loans can be tailored to your individual circumstances and can be used to meet the development costs of building homes for sale or rent. Financing is also available to support community-led housing projects, serviced plots for custom and self-builders, off-site manufacturing, new entrants to the market, and groups of small firms working in consortia to deliver larger sites. Our flexible approach, along with our in-depth knowledge of the housing sector, makes us uniquely placed to support businesses of all sizes to deliver new homes. The Levelling Up Home Building Fund can help if you: - are a UK-registered corporate entity or limited liability partnership - plan to build five or more homes on a site in England - have a controlling interest in the land, with outline planning permission in place More information about the fund can be found on our guidance page, and you can also arrange a call with one of our regional specialists by: - calling 0300 1234 500 - emailing fundingenquiries@homesengland.gov.uk - completing a short online form  

Read about some of the schemes we’ve supported

How a £1.5 million development loan from Homes England helped a regional housebuilder deliver an outstanding Waterfront scheme.  

V A Homes Yorkshire Ltd., Waterside, Knaresborough. Photo by Homes England.   Developer: V & A Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd Scheme: Waterside, Knaresborough V&A Homes is a family-run SME developer based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Waterside, a stunning nine-home scheme overlooking the River Nidd, was their second Homes England-supported development. The brownfield site, a former abattoir, is located on a steep waterside location which required complex groundworks to complete the build. Homes England worked closely with the team at all stages to provide both financial and specialist support. Today all three three townhouses and six semi-detached homes are occupied, with residents benefitting from spectacular views and outstanding design. Following the success of Waterside, V&A Homes is now completing a scheme of homes opposite Thirsk Racecourse and is working on their next scheme which will deliver 60 new homes in Sharow near Ripon. Victoria Denman, Managing Director of V&A Homes said: We first worked with Homes England after agreeing a land deal to bring our first development to market. From the outset I found the experience of working with the team extremely supportive. I was guided with care and consideration through the process and given reassurance at all stages. We are now working on a scheme which will deliver 60 homes - our biggest project to date. We wouldn’t have grown as we have without the great partnership we have developed with the agency.   How the Levelling Up Home Building fund enabled a first-time SME developer to achieve their development ambitions

  Developer: Windyridge Property Investments Scheme: Sienna Way, West Bromwich In March 2022 Homes England supported Windyridge Property Investments, a new developer, with a £1.4m development loan to deliver Sienna Way, a scheme comprising of 9 homes based in West Bromwich. As a first-time developer, Windyridge had experienced numerous funding barriers before receiving support from the Levelling Up Home Building Fund. Funding was legally contracted in 54 days from credit approval, demonstrating Homes England’s ability to provide SMEs access to much-needed funding at pace. Our regional team worked closely with the developer to design a flexible funding structure that incorporated possible delays in build completions and generous timeframes to sell the homes. Completed in July 2023, Sienna Way meets the latest energy efficiency standards and provides a high-quality living environment for first-time buyers, key workers, and young families. Features include private courtyards, electric car charging points & underfloor heating. The scheme uses locally sourced, sustainable products, minimising waste in the construction process. Jatinder Singh Gakhal, Managing Director, Windyridge, said: As a new SME housing developer, we found securing development funding particularly challenging given the macro-economic factors affecting the construction industry. However, thanks to the team from Homes England, who provided exceptional support and guidance throughout the application process, we swiftly secured a development loan to fully fund our scheme. We look forward to delivering our first sustainable housing development to meet the needs of the local community in the Black Country and strongly recommend SMEs consider Homes England funding to help unlock their future development sites.   How a £4.5 million loan helped a Birmingham-based SME developer deliver 72 high-quality independent-living apartments

  Developer: Michael Blanning Trust Housing Association Ltd (MBTHA) Scheme: The Shires, Birmingham In 2021, Homes England supported the Michael Blanning Trust Housing Association (MBTHA) Ltd, an established SME retirement home operator, in the delivery of a new purpose-built retirement village near Birmingham. MBTHA had already secured funding with Barclays but required additional financial support in response to market challenges. The flexibility of the development finance Homes England offers meant that we were able to work in partnership with Barclays to provide mezzanine funding to unlock the potential of this outstanding scheme. Today the scheme has achieved practical completion and is now in the sales stage. With its contemporary design, exceptional build quality, and emphasis on green communal spaces, The Shires aims to transform the lives of residents by building a sense of community and providing a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Rob Kennedy, Co-Chair of MBTHA said: The need for exceptional accommodation for senior independent living has never been greater and our scheme in Moseley answers this. The project was many years in the making, with many challenges along the way and we are grateful for the shared vision and support of our funding partners, Barclays and Homes England, to enable the scheme to come to life.   Sources: THX News & Homes England. Read the full article