ONE of the Thames Valley’s housebuilders said it contributed £44 million to the community across the South East last year.
Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties said this figure includes £40.7m expenditure on physical works and highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities in the region.
The rest of the funding – £3.6million – included a contribution to support community and social infrastructure through planning and Government schemes, with the launch of new parks, playgrounds and schools.
The figures were revealed in the firm’s Socio-Economic Footprint report, which explores its impact on people, places and nature in the areas surrounding its housing developments in East Sussex, West Sussex, Berkshire and Surrey.
Some £143,700 was donated directly to local charities, including foodbanks, community groups and hospitals, with employees contributing more than 300 hours of volunteering throughout the year.
On biodiversity it opened 7.6 hectares of public open space and private gardens – equivalent to 11 football pitches of green space.
More than 99% of timber used in construction was certified sustainability sourced and over 220 swift nesting boxes have been installed on-site to protect wildlife.
The housebuilder unveiled 688 new homes in the region last year, including 208 affordable homes, with a range of new properties and developments set to be launched in 2024.
Julian Hodder, managing director at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties, said: “We are proud to support and invest in the local communities where we build our homes. Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties is committed to prioritising people and the planet by donating to local infrastructure and groups while building sustainable neighbourhoods with biodiverse and green open spaces.
“We look forward to supporting even more worthy causes and projects across the South East in 2024, as well as unveiling our latest developments and homes.”
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are building a range of new homes across Berkshire, including Finchwood Park and Ashridge Grange.
