Richborough has sold an 11-hectare site in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, to Bellway Northern Home Counties Division with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of approximately £75million.
With outline planning consent in place, up to 180 new homes – 35% of which will be affordable – will be delivered alongside a new off-site car park for community use.
Sold by the Turner family and St Albans Diocese, the privately owned land is located just 15km from Milton Keynes and 17km from Bedford. The site benefits from strong transport connections and sits adjacent to a local school, making it an ideal setting for family housing. The scheme was granted planning consent at appeal in October 2024, following Richborough’s application in June 2023.
The approved masterplan takes a landscape-led approach, weaving the new neighbourhood into its setting by retaining and enhancing existing trees and hedgerows, while adding structural landscaping, informal open spaces, and a play area. A well-connected network of pedestrian and cycle routes will link the new homes to the wider community, helping to promote healthy and sustainable living.
Richborough’s Disposals Director Hannah Deverell said:
“This is a fantastic outcome for the landowners and for Cranfield. From the outset, our goal was to secure a consent that not only unlocked the site’s potential but also delivered meaningful benefits to the local community. We’re delighted to be working with Bellway, a trusted housebuilder with a proven reputation for quality.”
Paul Smits, Managing Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said:
“Bellway has a strong track record of building private and affordable homes to meet the needs of communities throughout Bedfordshire. This sustainable new development in Cranfield further extends our commitment to the area.
“Our scheme will deliver a range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes as well as 2 bedroom bungalows for private sale as well as a range of much needed affordable housing. The development will enhance biodiversity, create jobs and support the local economy. We will be submitting our reserved matters application shortly and intend construction works to commence in 2026.”
Matthew Dawson, Associate at Bidwells who represented the landowners, said: “The owners were clear they wanted to sell this land to a buyer with the best intentions to build community and deliver much-needed homes to the area, so we are really pleased with this outcome.”
Contact:
Hannah Deverell: hannah.deverell@richborough.co.uk