ilke Homes has secured a development site for 165 new modular homes in phase two of the Exmouth Junction scheme from Eutopia Homes.
The brownfield site in Exeter was most recently used as a self-storage yard and historic uses include former railway sidings, a concrete depot, and a coal distribution centre.
In March 2021, Exeter City Council (ECC) resolved to grant outline planning permission for the site for a total of 400 homes and 65 retirement properties, with the condition that buildings must achieve at least a 19% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2013 building regulations.
ilke Homes uses volumetric production methods at its 250,000 sq. ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, to build its modular homes, which all achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least a ‘B’. It is also able to halve the emissions produced during the construction programme, as most of the work takes place offsite. The homes are underpinned with the same National Homes Building Council (NHBC) accreditations as traditionally built homes.
Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, said: “This scheme marks our first major development in the South West and signifies to the market that ilke Homes is well-positioned to deliver as part of wider multi-phased developments.
“We’re particularly delighted to be working with Eutopia Homes on this fantastic design-led scheme, and we are very much looking forward to playing our part to help transform and regenerate this redundant brownfield site for the benefit of the wider community.”
The scheme, which is subject to receiving final planning consent, will comprise one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom homes available for either social rent, affordable rent or shared ownership.
Eutopia Homes is responsible for the master plan of the whole site and the delivery of the build to rent phase. Eutopia Homes will also provide the infrastructure for ilke Homes to access and develop phase two.
Its CEO Scott Hammond said: “This 15-acre site is one of the few remaining large scale brownfield development opportunities within walking distance of Exeter city centre and the University, so it’s great that, by bringing ilke Homes on board, we were able to unlock this site for the development of much-needed housing.
“One of the main reasons we selected ilke Homes was the benefits that modular construction can bring to speed of delivery across a large site. Our commitment to Modern Methods of Construction made a partnership with ilke Homes the natural fit and we look forward to working with them on this exciting project.”
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