Housebuilder acquires Cheshire site with permission for 60 homes

SME housebuilder, Story Homes, has acquired the 9.1 acres development site, Westlands in Wilmslow, from Royal London for an undisclosed sum.

The prime residential development opportunity has outline planning permission for 60 new dwellings and is situated close to Wilmslow town centre in Cheshire.

Adam Galleymore, North West land and planning director for Carlisle-based Story Homes, said: “Westlands is the ideal addition to our growing portfolio and the acquisition is in line with our strategy to expand further into the North West region.

“Wilmslow is a sought after town in the heart of Cheshire and we look forward to developing our plans for this site to create a development which is appropriately designed to meet the high expectations of the surrounding community.”

Mike Brassington, director of residential development at Colliers, who advised Royal London in the deal and led the search to find a housebuilder to take the site forward, said: “Located within walking distance from the highly desirable town centre of Wilmslow, Westlands boasts proximity to a wide range of local amenities, including excellent schools as well as high end retail and leisure facilities.

“The site’s prominence on Alderley Road, the ‘southern gateway’ to Wilmslow, means it also benefits from being close to Alderley Edge, an equally desirable town within Cheshire’s ‘Golden Triangle’.”

He added: “Story Homes is a credible housebuilder with a strong track record of building high quality homes carefully designed to offer more character and space between houses for families to enjoy. This will no doubt resonate with homebuyers looking to purchase a home in this part of Cheshire.”

Colliers is also advising Royal London on a redevelopment strategy for the wider Fulshaw Park campus, following Royal London’s relocation to nearby Alderley Park.

The wider Fulshaw Park site will be redeveloped to create a living campus incorporating 17,000 sq m of new office space, suitable for occupiers of varying sizes, with up to 1,100 car parking spaces and the creation of new pedestrian and cycle routes. The Northern part of the site also has outline planning permission for a further 120 homes.

Andrew Johnston, of Royal London Asset Management, said: “Story Homes is the ideal partner to bring forward the residential land to the west of Alderley Road. Securing the right housebuilder for this site represents a significant step in the progression of our masterplan for this important local employment site.”