Persimmon seeks permission for housing scheme

PLANNING approval is being sought to kick off a new housing scheme which will see 725 properties built in Worcestershire. St. Modwen Properties and Persimmon Homes have submitted an application to Bromsgrove District Council for the first phase of development on the former 52-acre Longbridge East works, in Cofton Hackett. It is part of the joint venture launched by the two companies last summer to develop 2,000 homes across seven sites in England and Wales. The first phase is for 229 dwellings of two, three and four-bedroom homes which will incorporate some affordable housing. The application also contains plans for a children’s play area, a new park, traffic calming measures and the opening up of the River Arrow which has been covered since the 1930s. Subject to planning approval, work is due to start early next year.

New head at Centrick

CENTRICK Property has appointed Matthew Reilly to oversee its new residential sales operation in Solihull. The firm is adding home sales to its already established lettings and estate management business, based at its branch on Knowle High Street. Mr Reilly joins Centrick from north London estate agents Ellis & Co, where he was principal, and brings more than 20 years of experience in residential property sales and management in London and the Midlands.

Surge in interest at BSPA

BIRMINGHAM Science Park Aston says it has seen a surge in interest at the office complex with a string of new lettings. Alongside the new tenants at its six buildings, a number of existing tenants have expanded their space including digital marketing company Kalexiko, doubling its space to 675 sq ft, medical company Enhanced Healthcare taking an additional suite and pharmaceutical product supplier Mymedpharma, also doubling its occupancy with 937 sq ft of office space.