We’re working with Countryside to regenerate Drakelow Park and build much needed affordable homes.
10th Mar 2021 - Developments
The development, which sits on the east bank of the River Trent, south of Burton on the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire, will see 1940s single-lane Bailey Bridge in Walton-on-Trent be replaced by the long-awaited third river crossing.
Subject to planning permission, the developer intends to build 1,500 new homes at Drakelow Park. The first phase of the development will comprise approximately 1,000 homes, of which 400 will be affordable housing in partnership with Midland Heart. A further 200 will be available for private rent, with 400 homes for sale through a range of buying initiatives.
As part of its detailed planning application, Countryside is currently reviewing its Section 106 commitments. Once agreed with the planning authority, these are expected to include the construction of a new primary school with additional contributions to education, local amenities, medical services, public open spaces and play areas. Work on site will also include the refurbishment of the Grade II Listed former Drakelow Hall stable and will add to the 193 homes currently under construction by David Wilson Homes.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in partnership with Countryside on the regeneration of Drakelow Park, delivering 400 affordable homes alongside the other tenures on the site. This builds on our relationship with Countryside and strengthens our own programme in this part of the region, where we are already building a further 300 affordable homes. Combined, this will enable us to make a significant contribution to families in the area, providing access to good quality affordable housing.
Chris Miller, Director of Development, at Midland Heart
Countryside is expected to commence public consultation in the coming weeks ahead of its submission of a detailed planning application in the Spring. The development will be delivered in a number of phases over the course of the next 10 years, working with the resident businesses currently located at the north of Drakelow Park to ensure their continued operation throughout the early stages of development.
Adam Daniels, Managing Director, Partnerships West Midlands, commented: “Our acquisition of the land at Drakelow Park is a huge step forward in our ambitious plans to regenerate the site into a thriving community of high-quality new homes supported by extensive local services and amenities.
“We understand the local appetite for the third river crossing and are wholly committed to delivering this vital part of the development to ensure that the new neighbourhood at Drakelow Park brings essential improvements to the current infrastructure.
“We are extremely excited about moving forward with the development of Drakelow Park and will be spending the coming weeks and months in consultation with the local community to draw up detailed plans for the site. Importantly, we will be working with the planning authority and community stakeholders to understand their local needs to ensure our Section 106 commitments provide the required investments that will serve local people.”
Roger Bullivant, founder of the Drakelow Park Group, said: “The Walton on Trent bridge has been a nightmare for decades. I am delighted that this deal will not only bring much needed housing to the area but will also finally resolve the river crossing, bringing relief to the village of Walton, easing the traffic through Burton and Stapenhill and opening up opportunities throughout the area.”
In 1987 Roger Bullivant Ltd opened on the Drakelow site and grew to become the largest foundation contractor in the UK. Roger Bullivant sold the company in 2011 but retained ownership of the Drakelow park site. Roger added: “It has always been my dream to regenerate the site one day and open this attractive woodland and riverside to the public in what was the extensive grounds of Drakelow Hall.”
