Church Commissioners for England Greenlights a Groundbreaking 1,087-Home Development in Lincoln
The Church Commissioners for England, the organization responsible for managing the Church of England’s £10.3bn investment fund, has recently secured planning permission for an ambitious residential project in Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln. This development is set to transform the 44-hectare site into a vibrant, sustainable community, featuring a mix of bungalows and two and three-storey homes.
The project, designed by the renowned Leeds studio Architecture 519, will bring a total of 1,087 homes to the area. In line with the Church Commissioners’ commitment to social responsibility, 20% of these homes will be designated as affordable housing. This initiative supports Central Lincolnshire’s broader goal of increasing the region’s housing supply by over 30,000 units.
Building a Community
But the Bracebridge Heath development is not just about housing. It’s about creating a community. The development will also feature a residential care home, providing much-needed accommodation for seniors. Furthermore, the project will introduce new community infrastructure, including sports facilities, playgrounds, and public green spaces.
One of the standout features of this development is the innovative ‘mobility hub’. This hub will offer residents a variety of sustainable transportation options, including bus connections, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and new pedestrian and cycle links. The hub is designed to promote connectivity within Bracebridge Heath and across Lincoln, making the city centre and local countryside more accessible.
Commitment to Sustainability
The development also prioritizes environmental sustainability. The plans include a new sustainable urban drainage system to manage surface water effectively. Additionally, strategic landscaping zones will be established around the site to minimize visual and acoustic disturbance.
Matthew Naylor, Strategic Land Principal Manager at the Church Commissioners for England, commented on the project: “Our plans for Bracebridge Heath will create a vibrant new community in the Lincoln area, in line with the vision set out in the local plan for new high-quality places to live. Retirement housing will provide much-needed places for seniors to live, while a new mobility hub will give residents sustainable transport options that encourage connectivity both within Bracebridge Heath and across Lincoln.”
The Bracebridge Heath development is more than just a housing project. It’s a testament to the Church Commissioners for England’s commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive communities that cater to the needs of all residents. This development is set to become a model for future urban planning, demonstrating how we can build homes while also fostering community spirit, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
