July 2024 – www.wpdg.co.uk

Construction of the first homes is underway at a major 1,700 home scheme on the edge of Nuneaton.

Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council, has started work on the first 51 homes at the development which will be known as Milby Meadows at Top Farm in Weddington.

The green light was given to the first phase of homes at Milby Meadows by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council last month on the largest scheme from the joint venture which will create a thriving new community.

The sustainable homes will be built using modern methods of construction, with features including air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

Infrastructure work to create a northern link road tying together the surrounding developments is also underway. This will provide access to the new 11-16 secondary school at the site, which is currently under construction, will support 900 pupils and looking to be completed by the Department for Education in September 2025.

Outline planning permission for Top Farm was granted in late 2022 and will include both a primary and secondary school, a local centre, extensive public open space and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads.

Lambe Construction is now on site completing the initial groundworks.

A planning application has been submitted by Develop Warwickshire for the next stage of the development – which if successful – will enable the next 480 homes, a community park, play areas and public open space to be created.

When completed, the development will feature a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bed properties. It will be a mix of private sale, private rent and affordable – with 25 per cent of homes being affordable housing. Platform Housing Group is the affordable housing partner for the development.

Develop Warwickshire has committed £2.5 billion to create new homes across the county and the development partners joined together to mark the start of work on its biggest scheme.

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director for WPDG, said: “We achieved outline planning permission for this site in November 2022, so to be on site in less than two years is a huge achievement for a scheme of this scale.

“We are creating a sustainable community at Milby Meadows, with 1,700 homes, schools, a local centre, parks and public open space. It will give local people access to excellent quality homes and act as a catalyst for economic growth in Nuneaton.

“We will be making significant infrastructure improvements in the local area and the first of those are underway as part of this phase of the project.

“The strength of Develop Warwickshire is our ability to move quickly, be agile and accelerate the pace of the delivery. That has been evident at Brookmill Meadows in Warton and will be replicated here at Milby Meadows.”

Phil McHugh, Vistry Group’s Managing Director for North West Midlands, said: “I was delighted to meet with our partners at Develop Warwickshire to celebrate the start of work on this 1,700 property development which will deliver much-needed houses that cater for everybody’s needs in this much sought after location. Vistry North West Midlands is proud to partner with both WCC and WPDG and looks forward to delivering our second scheme in the county as part of Develop Warwickshire.

“These types of schemes really bring Vistry’s ability to deliver high quality place making at pace. Milby Meadows at Top Farm will provide a great opportunity for anyone looking for a high-quality new home in an inclusive and sustainable community.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, added: “The start on site for Milby Meadows is a hugely significant milestone for the Develop Warwickshire partnership as we continue to work together to make the most of the county’s assets to create a lasting and positive social impact.

“Unlocking Council sites to create sustainable, high-quality homes and communities is a key ambition for the Council, and Develop Warwickshire plays a major role in this.”

PICTURE CAPTION: From left to right, Leighton Claire (Vistry), Joanne Noakes (Platform Housing Group), Phil McHugh (Vistry), Cllr Peter Butlin, James Devereux (WPDG), Rob Andrews (WPDG) and Stuart Buckley (WPDG).

Warwickshire residents are being encouraged to support their local ice cream vans at popular country parks this summer.

Licenses have been renewed for ice cream van operators county-wide by Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM) on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

This means that friendly faces will continue to operate in Warwickshire’s country parks for another year – with many occupying the same spots for more than a decade.

This year WPM Ltd has completed four new licences for ice cream vans across the county.

Alan Sullivan, who operates at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, and David Smith, who operates The Ice Cream Centre at Ryton Pools Country Park, are two of the operators to have had their licenses renewed for the year.

Many ice cream van operators are family businesses and that is the case with Alan Sullivan. His father, now 86, previously ran the business and Alan, 64, has been supporting his father since the age of eight.

He has operated at Burton Dassett for more than 20 years.

Alan said: “It’s a great business to be in and a friendly one too. Over the years we have got to know a lot of people working at the park and visitors too. We try to keep the prices sensible to maintain that customer base.

“Over the years it hasn’t changed a whole lot, people skills are still the backbone of running an ice cream van.

“Our fingers are crossed for a good summer, but believe it or not you don’t want it to be baking hot as that isn’t good for sales. It’s been a mixed start with the weather but my philosophy is that it always balances out over the year.”

David Smith, managing director of The Ice Cream Centre, has been operating at Ryton Pools for 13 years and has renewed his licence for another year.

His van can be found by The Foothills play area. David has had an obsession with ice cream since he was seven-years-old in 1975.

David said: “I was one of those children that went to the ice cream van every day, even if I couldn’t buy it, I was fascinated by everything ice cream.

“Across all of our vans we have a pride before profit approach. We have a policy that all of our vehicles are no more than two years old, and are low or zero emission. This resulted in us investing £178,000 in new vans this year.

“We’re hoping for a dry, warm summer and the ideal temperature is 21 to 23 degrees, anything above that and sales start to dip dramatically.

“It’s a tough job. We work 20 hours a day, seven days a week, for eight months of the year.

“But I love working at Ryton Pools. It is a lovely place to be, the seasons bring new colours and new species. I have great relationships with my regular customers and we’re proud to be based at the park.”

WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages lettings on hundreds of Warwickshire County Council-owned properties.

Mandeep Padan, Asset Manager at WPM, said: “We have some incredible country parks across Warwickshire and there is nothing better than enjoying an ice cream on a summer afternoon.

“We’re pleased to have been able to extend licences for ice cream operators across the county like David and Alan.”

Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate & Culture at Warwickshire County Council, added: “Supporting our ice cream vans goes beyond enjoying a tasty treat; it’s also about fostering community spirit and sustaining local businesses that bring joy to Warwickshire’s residents and visitors.

“We are delighted to see these family-centred, ethically-minded operations continue to thrive and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of our parks. Businesses such as these play a vital role in making Warwickshire’s Country Parks places that can be enjoyed and supported by all, both now and for generations to follow.”

Work starts on first homes at Top Farm

Licences renewed for ice cream van operators across Warwickshire

Registration number 13299170

Warwickshire Property &
Development Group Limited

Registration number 13299170

Warwickshire Property & Development Group Limited

Warwickshire Property &
Development Group Limited