Royal seal of approval for Butts Green

A new design led residential housing scheme in Warrington; Cheshire has won plaudits from The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.

Modelled on a medieval hamlet, Butts Green built by national housebuilder, Bellway, has been recognised at a ceremony in London as one of the country’s most prestigious new housing developments.

The Prince’s Foundation and Home Builders Federation (HBF) set out to identify developments across the country that had adopted Foundation design principals that help improve the quality of life for the people who will live there as well as contributing to greater energy efficiency.

Focusing on issues such as distinctive design, local character, amenities located within walking distance of homes and less car dependency, the judges considered Butts Green worthy of recognition.

The development that has already received a Design for Life Award was acquired by Bellway in 2003 from national regeneration agency, English Partnerships. Formerly the World War Two Burtonwood airbase, Bellway worked with architects, John Wilson Associates to create a medieval-themed development. The principal building is a powerful crescent designed with the presence of a priory framing a formal green space incorporating a sculpture of three longbows that reflects the sites history as a training ground for long-bowmen during the 15th century.

Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive of the Prince’s Foundation, said: “This programme highlights the fact that neighbourhoods matter and our commitment with the HBF is to design and build them better. By benchmarking the best of today, we give ourselves a base-line from which to improve.”

“Ken Ewen, Managing Director of Bellway (Manchester) said: “We are delighted to have received the Prince’s Foundation support. Butts Green responds to the need for higher density housing, sustainability and the desires of today’s modern homebuyers. The result is a stunning development that proves that quality, creativity and flair do not need to be excluded from high density housing schemes.”

For further information, visit bellway.co.uk.