THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND (BIRMINGHAM AND ABOVE), AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE HOUSEBUILDING IS INCREASING AND OFFERS A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE. THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS. Best New Dev opment in the North
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WOOD MILL RISE | PLACES FOR PEOPLE
HARRAP MEDOWS | STONEWATER
Harrap Meadows is a development by Stonewater of 140 one, two, three and four bedroom detached and semi- detached houses, bungalows and duplex apartments in Flanshaw, to the west
Wood Mill Rise, Doncaster, is an exceptional new development from PfP for first time buyers, offering a stylish collection of 59 two and three bedroom homes. The homes feature
of Wakefield City centre in West Yorkshire. The development demonstrates Stonewater’s ongoing commitment to low carbon development: when completed in January 2025 Harrap Meadows was the UK’s largest gas-free affordable scheme, with each property being fitted with an air source heat pump in lieu of a gas boiler. Each property also has PV solar panels installed to the roof, and access to an EV charging point, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions across the site. Shares from as low as 25% make the properties as affordable as possible. A 40% share in a two bedroom semi-detached house is currently just £87,000; the same 40% share in a three bedroom semi-detached house is priced at £105,000. In April 2025, more than 90% of the properties were either reserved or occupied.
modern, energy-efficient specifications, spacious interiors, stylish finishes and private rear gardens. Affordability is key – 100% of homes are available via affordable tenures, with 60% offered through Shared Ownership. Buyers can secure a 50% share from just £94,500, with deposits starting under £5,000. Community spirit is at the heart of the development’s design, which is set around a central green with a play area where neighbours and children can connect. It is conveniently located near shops, good schools and leisure facilities, with excellent transport links, including Bentley station just a 12-minute walk away. Combining affordability, quality and community-focused design, Wood Mill Rise is an outstanding choice for first time buyers looking to step on to the property ladder in the North.
LATIMER BY CLARION HOUSING GROUP | THE COCOA WORKS
HIVE HOMES | WEAVERS FOLD
The Cocoa Works is a stunning redevelopment of York’s historic
Our Weavers Fold development, a new 102-home development, with 85 three bedroom and 17 four bedroom homes, a mix of semi-detached and detached properties, has breathed new life
Rowntree Factory, built in 1890. It provides 279 high-spec apartments, 30% of which are affordable via Shared Ownership. Completed
in 2024 by Latimer (Clarion Housing Group) and contractor Henry Boot, the project combines heritage restoration with modern, sustainable and inclusive living. The thoughtfully designed homes meet the Nationally Described Space Standard and feature premium fixtures, high ceilings and wheelchair accessibility. Meanwhile, the exemplary on-site amenities include co-working spaces, a cafe, function room, playground and green communal areas. Sustainability is prioritised through advanced insulation, air source heat pumps and waste-heat recovery systems, enabling exceptional thermal efficiency for the 135-year-old building. The development supports first time buyers with Shared Ownership and generous financial incentives, and fosters community inclusion through shared public spaces and local engagement initiatives.
into a site that had laid vacant and dilapidated for more than eight years. The new development has been meticulously designed – both in terms of the quality of the homes but also its layout has been designed for future growth. There is also a 5.6-acre parcel of land towards the southern end of the development which Rochdale Borough Council can utilise for the creation of a new school, should it be required in the future. Between the opening of the show home in November 2023, up until March 2025, 91% of the homes had been sold with 63% of that number going to first time buyers.
READERS’ AWARDS buyer
84 First Time Buyer August/September 2025
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