A Leicestershire housing developer has bought a big green-field site just across the border in Nottinghamshire.
William Davis Homes, which is based in Loughborough, has bought 17 acres of land at Sutton Bonington.
It was sold by Joanna Herbert-Stepney, the owner of the Paget family estate.
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The agent was Mather Jamie, also based in Loughborough, which has been advising the estate since 1978.
A spokesman for the agents said: “The landowner, Joanna Herbert-Stepney, was keen for the site to combine high quality and varied housing types, green energy and large areas for biodiversity.
“As a consequence proposals developed by William Davis will have to adhere to a strict design code which includes a cap on the number of houses to be constructed, the provision of a wide mix of house types, sizes and tenures to include private sale houses and bungalows together with social rent and shared equity affordable.
“All of the properties, regardless of tenure, will be constructed to an energy and environmental performance level which exceeds the current building regulations through the use of established and emerging technologies.
“The design code not only focuses on the properties but also ensures that the environment within which they sit contributes to the quality of the environment.
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“As a result a parkland area will be created to the south and east of the site.
“This will provide a rich and diverse open space with footpaths, a community orchard and play area all aimed at enhancing biodiversity through the creation of a sustainable setting for both wildlife and residents.“
Ms Herbert-Stepney said: “I’m always reluctant to build on a green field, but we need capital to support our tenant farmers in the future – farm buildings and slurry lagoons are very expensive.
“The houses are needed and they will only use about half of the field, so there’ll be plenty of attractive green space.”
A full planning application could be submitted by May, and if approval is given construction could start in early 2022.
Mather Jamie said Ms Herbert-Stepney plans to work with William Davis Homes and the parish and district councils as the scheme develops through the application stage.
Mather Jamie director Amy Biddell, said. “We are delighted to confirm the completion of this residential development land sale to William Davis Homes.
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“This desirable site on the edge of Sutton Bonington will provide a range of eco-friendly homes set within a well-designed and biodiverse open space, creating an extension to the village which is ideal for first-time buyers, families as well as those looking to commute to the city or downsize.
“We look forward to seeing this development come to fruition over the coming months.
William Davis Homes land manager Jake Robinson said: “We are thrilled to have secured this exciting opportunity in such a great location.
“Whilst it is great to secure land anywhere within the Midlands, to win a site of this quality so close to the centre of our operations is an added bonus.
“We look forward to marrying our award winning homes with the land owner’s aspirations to deliver a scheme which will be a great example of a design led sustainable development.”
Other advisers on the deal included Brendan Walsh from Gunnercooke who provided legal advice to the vendors and Pegasus Group who are assisting William Davis with their planning application and public consultation.