IT USED to be home for some of the most innovative road schemes in the country, but now it’s giving way to housing.
Work has started on the former Transport Research Laboratory site in Crowthorne, bringing to an end the days of creating mini-roundabouts, and cycle lanes, and testing other initiatives.
Instead, it is to be the fourth phase of the Buckler’s Park development, which will see the Vistry Group build 169 homes on the site off Nine Mile Ride.
There will be 85 homes under the Bovis Homes brand, and 84 under the Linden Homes marque. Of these, 17 will be marketed as affordable for local residents either renting or undergoing a shared ownership agreement.
They will be a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.
And the housebuilders are not wasting much time – the plans were approved by Bracknell Forest Council in December.
Alix Laflin, marketing manager at Vistry Thames Valley, said that construction work has been progressing well at Buckler’s Park.
“We have liaised with the local authority and the broad range of new properties we are providing is designed to suit the various requirements of the community,” they continued.
“The mix includes smaller properties for young couples and people taking their first steps into home ownership and larger homes for growing families who need more space or buyers needing one or more home offices. The development will be fashioned to blend in with its rural environment and features tree-lined streets and a neighbourhood glade which will act as natural focal point for friends and neighbours to meet and chat outdoors.”
The wider scheme has outline planning permission for up to 1,000 new homes alongside a country park and community facilities.
The marketing of the site will start later this spring, and will include a sales office.
“This is a large village which has its own high street featuring shops, pubs and restaurants but still retains a distinctly rural identity,” Alix continued.
“We anticipate that Buckler’s Park will appeal to a wide variety of buyers but particularly families. Parents will be attracted by the countryside setting and the selection of good schools in the area.
“We hope that the first homes will see the owners take up residence in the autumn.”
