Housebuilder goes green on former colliery site scheme
Eco-planting, a children’s play area and a cycle path will all be part of a new development on a former colliery site in Bedworth.
The Astley Fields scheme is being built by Bellway on land once occupied by Newdigate Colliery, off Astley Lane, creating 169 homes.
As well as providing 169 new homes, Bellway will be creating green areas with ponds along the length of the development as well as around a large public open space to the west of the homes.
Native species in the form of trees and shrubs will be planted, and the swathe of woodland between the properties and the open space will be retained.
A new cycle path will run along an open area to the north of Honeysuckle Close, entering the development on the north-eastern corner.
Cycle paths are also planned for the area of public open space, running around the play area and through the grassland, emerging at three exits onto Astley Lane.
Richard Beesley, contracts manager at Bellway West Midlands, said: “We approach our developments with immense respect for the natural environment. That’s why we have taken such care to ensure that our green open spaces at Astley Fields are carefully managed, with native planting, retention of trees and shrubs and areas of wildflower meadow. It will be quite a transformation from the colliery site that once stood here.
“At Bellway we pride ourselves on the added benefits we can bring to a development that make them great places to live. We are making the most of the natural landscape and the plants and trees that are already here to create an attractive place where people can get a breath of fresh air and wildlife can thrive.
“Paths, cycleways and play equipment will make this space a valuable asset for residents of all ages – whether they live at Astley Fields or elsewhere in town.
“On top of this, we are also investing almost £2m in local services and facilities as part of the planning agreement for the development.”
The colliery operated for more than 80 years before it closed in 1982.
