Making the most of our land

Our most precious resource is the land upon which we construct new homes and communities.

Around 80% of the land we develop is brownfield and this exceeds the Government’s target of 60%. Construction on previously developed land often requires the removal of pollutants and hazardous materials and we have utilised a number of important decontamination techniques.

Major reclamation projects have involved redundant hospitals, disused airfields, power stations and rubber and lead works. We can point to a track record of success in creating value in challenging areas that exhibit the characteristics of economic decline.

These often redundant brownfield sites, pose a number of development challenges, not least the remediation that is required following the industrial legacy that has been left behind once the business has closed or vacated.

Bellway has an excellent track record of environmental stewardship. We are obliged to test all large sites over 0.5 hectares with either an Environmental Impact Assessment or a Sustainability Audit, so as to understand the characteristics and opportunities of each new development. This preparation, in parallel with project design, provides a useful framework within which environmental considerations and design development can interact and allows us to understand the site and its surroundings, helping to identify appropriate methods of remediation as necessary.

For the planning authorities and other public bodies with environmental responsibilities, this work provides a strong basis for decision making.

The regeneration of the former 8 acre gas works site at Stepney in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets has created a new community environment providing affordable housing for key workers as well as community facilities including a community hall, pharmacy and medical facilities. Because of its former use, a detailed and comprehensive plan was developed involving both the treatment and removal of contaminated material that was in common with the sites industrial heritage. This approach was undertaken in conjunction with the local authority, the Environment Agency and local community groups. As a result, the site is now habitable and providing affordable homes for people within the vicinity.