Linden welcomes government’s new housing pledge

As Linden Homes prepares to launch a second collection of homes at its Banstead Wood development in Surrey, on the site of a disused Grade II listed hospital, Managing Director Paul Cooper welcomes Gordon Brown’s announcement of the further release of government-owned land for development.

Following Gordon Brown’s pledge this week to raise housebuilding targets to 240,000 new homes per year from 2016, with the release of more government-owned brownfield land, Linden is gearing up for the second phase of new and converted apartments in the grounds of the former hospital at Banstead Woods. The homes are surrounded by Surrey woodland, designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

Banstead Wood is a shining example of the efforts already being made by developers and English Partnerships to maximise available brownfield land in the South East greenbelt and bring much-needed new homes to the area.

Paul Cooper, Managing Director of Linden Homes South East comments:

“Linden Homes has a strong track record for acquiring appropriate brownfield land for development in the green belt, with restoration and conversion central to our efforts in the south east. We have built a reputation for our renovation projects focusing on disused institutional buildings of architectural merit or historic value.

“Conversion of these historic buildings into residential dwellings is the best solution to ensuring their preservation and survival. It is encouraging to see the new Prime Minister promising the release of public sector land for development, but it will need to be done with some urgency if housebuilders are to meet his new target of three million homes by 2020.”

There are six homes remaining for sale in the first phase at Banstead Wood. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments in the restored Elizabeth House currently start at £249,950. Phase two will consist entirely of refurbished homes, ranging in size and style. Guide prices for the new range of 22 one and two bedroom apartments start £225,000.

For further information visit Lindenhomes.co.uk.