Single family housing scheme in Ely gets green light

Cambridgeshire single family rentals (SFR) development will be delivered through modular construction

UK property developer Godwin Developments announces it has secured planning permission for its first single family housing (SFH) development comprising 78 houses and flexible commercial space.

Cathedral Green in Ely, Cambridgeshire, includes two- and three-bedroom houses with private gardens or terraces, as well as 85 resident and guest parking spaces. Devised specifically for the single family rentals market, it is completely aligned with the company’s ambition to create a strong nationwide BTR platform, offering high-quality homes in areas with robust demand characteristics.

Godwin Developments obtained consent from East Cambridgeshire District Council to deliver the homes using modular methods of construction, resulting in a range of benefits for residents, the neighbouring community and the environment.

Cathedral Green will have substantial ESG credentials and will include high levels of insulation, triple glazing as well as natural and extract ventilation. Combined, these features will significantly improve the energy efficiency of the homes – compared to traditional construction – helping to lower bills for residents and reduce the environmental impact of the scheme. Sustainability will also be supported through the inclusion of two cycle spaces per home as well as EV-ready charging for all homes.

In addition, the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) is expected to speed up the on-site delivery of the development as well as reduce waste, disruption and embodied carbon.

Emphasising well-being and community, Cathedral Green will also feature extensively landscaped open spaces intended to host community activities. At the heart of the development will be a reimagined village green, which will be car-free to support the creation of a safe zone for pedestrians and children. It will also include a woodland walk as well as natural play areas for children, a teens’ retreat and exercise space.

The 1.99-hectare scheme is located close to the centre of Ely, a highly sought-after cathedral city with a multitude of nearby amenities, schools, open spaces, shops and historic attractions. Residents will also have easy access to Ely Station, which is within walking distance and offers regular trains to Cambridge as well as London and Stansted Airport.

Tom Smallbone, Head of Residential Development, Godwin Developments said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for our first single family housing development. Positioned in a gateway location in the sought-after cathedral city of Ely, it offers quick access to Cambridge – one of the UK’s major life sciences hubs and a focus for growth, investment and employment for years to come.

“As a business, we will continue to focus our efforts on growing our BTR pipeline nationwide in areas of clear economic expansion and restricted supply of homes. We see the Oxford-Cambridge corridor and the Home Counties as key for developing more single family homes for rent while London, Bristol and Birmingham are the target cities for our multi family offering.”

The homes to be built on site will be complemented by a 1,845.5 sq. m. three-storey commercial building, which will provide additional flexible working space for residents as well as businesses from the community.

Rapleys were planning consultants for the scheme, and RG+P were the architects on the scheme.

Godwin Developments has a fast-growing nationwide portfolio, including nearly 3,000 residential units nationwide. The business operates primarily across the BTR sector covering both multifamily and single family housing and recently announced it had entered into a joint venture agreement with a leading institutional real estate investor to build a portfolio to the value of £1 billion.

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