Work has begun to develop a Cumbria site which will eventually feature between 1,200-2,000 sustainable homes, including 25 self build plots.
The former Royal Naval Armaments Depot site at Broughton Moor will be dedicated to the self build plots, as part of a wider development at the site, known as Derwent Forest.
Reiver Homes, part of Story Contracting, has begun work on the access and road layout to the depot site to allow the sale of the self build plots.
Planning permission has been obtained for five four-bedroom house types, although construction of the self build plots, which are available for purchase, has not yet begun. Once completed, the houses will range in size up to about 1,100m².
Each self build plot will be delivered fully serviced including drainage and connections for gas, water and electricity, according to Reiver Homes.
(MORE: What is a Serviced Plot?)
Self-Sustaining Community
As well as the 1,200-2,000 sustainable homes planned as part of the project, Derwent Forest will also showcase a 100-bedroom eco hotel and 100 tree houses and lodges for sale and rent.
In order to develop a thriving community, the project will consist of houses set around greens in a series of distinct villages. The site will be self-sustaining, using the latest technology to produce its own food and energy.
Phase one of the project will include the planning and sale of the first 25 plots, while the Derwent Forest masterplan states that phase two of the project will consist of a further sale of 125 serviced self build plots.
Work will be carried out in stages and it is hoped delivery of the full vision will take around 15-20 years to complete.
Reiver Homes will also work with consumer banking company Handeslbanken to assist with offering self build mortgages to aspiring homeowners, and whether conditions may enable a mortgage to be offered that finances a percentage of the plot price, plus a significant amount of the build costs.
(MORE: Complete Guide to Finding a Plot)
Reiver Homes is now offering potential customers the opportunity to come along and visit the available plots at the Derwent Forest site, which is currently being marketed from the Story Homes Hawthorn Grange development.