Strategic land acquisition creates largest housing-led development site for Homes England in the North
On 10 April 2025 Homes England successfully completed the acquisition of 34 hectares of land within the residential allocation known as the South East Warrington Urban Extension (SEWUE), creating what is now the Agency’s largest development site in the North of England.
The strategic purchase brings the Agency’s total landholding within the SEWUE to c.250 hectares, giving Homes England control of the development of the allocation in Warrington Borough Council’s Local Plan. The newly acquired land, near to Stretton, is critical to the entire development’s success, making it possible to put essential access infrastructure in place which unlocks the delivery of the whole allocation.
This consolidation of ownership represents a significant milestone in the Agency’s placemaking mission, and the scale of the development will make a substantial contribution to meeting housing needs in Warrington and within the North West region.
Once completed, the site will feature up to 4,200 new homes (30% of which will be affordable) alongside community facilities including schools, recreational spaces, local centres with health facilities, and green spaces for both existing and new communities to enjoy.
Alison Crofton, Chief Property Officer at Homes England, said:
This acquisition is the culmination of focused work by the team and represents a brilliant place opportunity. This is a clear example of Homes England’s unique role to enable, deliver and demonstrate effective placemaking at scale.
We negotiated with multiple stakeholders to successfully complete this acquisition, alongside ongoing local community engagement. We’re looking forward to progressing to the next stage of planning and seeing a new community being delivered.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for housing services, said:
We’re looking forward to working with Homes England on this important scheme. It supports our ongoing work to deliver high quality housing – including affordable homes – in every part of the borough, meeting local demand and supporting Warrington’s growth.
Following the acquisition, Homes England will complete a site-wide Development Framework this year, laying the groundwork for future planning applications.
This article was issued via Press Release as "Homes England completes strategic land acquisition to create the Agency’s largest housing-led development site in the North of England" dated 11 April, 2025.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Brownfield Passport.
- Consultation on proposed reforms to NPPF and other changes to the planning system.
- Detailed planning permission.
- Design Council Homes Taskforce launched to support 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
- Design for Homes.
- Diversity in regeneration.
- Fixing our broken housing market..
- Golden rules for the release of land.
- Grey belt.
- Homes and Communities Agency.
- Homes England.
- Homes England Modern Methods of Construction research finalised.
- Housing Forum seeks unity over suspension of works.
- How long does it take to get planning permission.
- How long does planning permission last.
- IHBC response to revised NPPF.
- Killian Pretty Review.
- Local plan.
- Localism Act.
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- National Planning Framework.
- National Planning Practice Guidance.
- Neighbourhood development order.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- NPPF consultation briefing notes on terms.
- NPPF inquiry.
- Outline planning permission.
- Planning legislation.
- Planning overhaul to reach 1.5 million new homes.
- Planning permission.
- Planning policy replaced by the NPPF.
- The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing.
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.