Shaping the growth of Congleton for two decades

Our work in Congleton tells a story of delivery, relationships and meaningful placemaking. Over nearly 20 years, we have played a central role in shaping the growth of this popular Cheshire town, bringing forward five sites.

Collectively, these sites have enabled:

  • More than 800 new homes, including significant affordable provision
  • 500 new jobs
  • Major infrastructure contributions
  • Extensive public open space across Congleton.

Congleton is identified as a principal growth location within the Cheshire East Council Local Plan Strategy, with provision for around 4,150 homes and 24 hectares of employment land over the 2010–2030 period. Against this context, our collective 800 plots across five sites in the town to date, represent over a fifth of the Local Plan housing requirement.

  • Most recently, we’ve secured a resolution to grant planning permission for our fifth site in the town, located off Sandbach Road. The proposals will deliver up to 120 new homes, with 30% affordable housing, alongside public open space, landscaping and enhanced pedestrian and cycle connections.
Land off Sandbach Road where we secured planning permission in 2026 for up to 120 new homes
  • Our work at Sandbach Road builds on a track record that began in 2006 with the acquisition of Bath Vale Works, a challenging 25-acre brownfield site. Formerly an automotive manufacturing facility, the site presented significant constraints, including extensive existing buildings, mature woodland, important wildlife habitats and two watercourses. Through detailed technical work and remediation, Richborough unlocked the site’s potential, securing planning permission for 130 homes. The scheme included major environmental improvements, such as the diversion and naturalisation of watercourses to reduce flood risk, as well as the creation of generous public open space, including a picnic and play area with disabled access and new pedestrian links. The site was sold to Bovis Homes in 2010, marking a transformational regeneration project for the area and is now a well-established residential community.

Our residential site at the former Bath Vale Works, delivered by Bovis Homes. Photo courtesy of Reed Rains

  • Our work in Congleton continued with our involvement in the Somerford Triangle, where we were instrumental in championing the delivery of the Congleton Link Road, paid for by contributions from some of our schemes. This critical infrastructure has unlocked growth in the town. One such scheme is Black Firs Park. Here we secured planning permission for 170 homes, carefully designed to reflect local character and retain existing landscape features and sold to Barratt Redrow. The second phase of this scheme we successfully promoted through the Cheshire East Local Plan, securing allocation and planning permission for up to 200 further homes, delivered in partnership with Bellway Homes as Somerford Gate. This development provided a further 35 affordable properties and made substantial contributions to local infrastructure, including £2.4 million towards the Link Road, nearly £1 million for local schools, and anew nine-acre community nature park.
Land we promoted off Black Firs Lane was acquired by development partner Bellway, who delivered the attractive Somerford Gate residential development
  • More recently, Richborough Commercial partnered with Bloor Homes and Clowes Developments on a major mixed-use scheme at Viking Way, forming part of the North Congleton Masterplan. This ambitious project combines new homes with employment and retail space, creating a vibrant and economically active destination. Viking Park, a 23-acre extension to Congleton Business Park, is expected to support around 500 jobs and is already home to a range of national operators.
Starbucks at Viking Way, delivered in partnership with Clowes Developments

Across our five sites in Congleton, Richborough has helped deliver and enable hundreds of new homes, significant affordable housing provision, new jobs, infrastructure investment and high-quality public spaces. Just as importantly, each project reflects a commitment to working with local context, respecting landscape, heritage and community needs.

From complex brownfield regeneration to strategic urban extensions, Richborough’s long-standing investment in Congleton highlights the value of a patient, collaborative approach to development, one that continues to shape the town’s future for the better.

Jonathan Bloor, Managing Director for Richborough’s Western Division, said: “Our work in Congleton reflects Richborough’s commitment to unlocking complex sites and delivering sustainable growth. From brownfield regeneration to strategic urban extensions, each project has played a role in shaping a well-connected, thriving community for the long term.”

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