16/11/2022: Breckland Bridge new development starts in Colkirk

Construction is under way at a development where new housing is expected to have top-grade 'green' credentials. 

The project at Colkirk is being carried out by Breckland Bridge, the pioneering joint-venture partnership between Breckland Council and expert private sector developers The Land Group.

The scheme consists of a total of 21 highly energy efficient detached, semi-detached and terraced two, three, and four bed homes, including two 'affordable' homes to help first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder.

The key features of the houses are their green credentials, including electric vehicle charging points, high spec insulation, solar panels and air source heat pumps. They are expected to be Energy Performance Certificate A-rated.

David Winch, The Land Group Director said: "The very high level of energy efficiency is a critical selling feature in the current cost of living crisis. This Colkirk scheme will ensure that we can provide a stunning and sustainable housing project in a significant amount of open space. The development is the next important step from Breckland Bridge with a further 135 homes in the pipeline. It is pleasing to be building on land owned by the Council again, in order to provide more needed housing for the district."

The site, Trinity Green, has been designed as two separate streets, both facing west with rear gardens to the east and south-east. The architecture by Hoopers of Ipswich is vernacular including flank roofs and cat-slide dormer windows. Locally-based builders Wellington is the contractor.

The site boundaries have many mature trees and hedges and green open space is an important feature of the site arrangement, as are dedicated parking spaces. The access point is off Whissonsett Road with a new pedestrian path between the village centre to the north and playing fields and allotments south.

Cllr Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement added: "I'm delighted construction is now underway as it will provide new homes that will help to meet local demand, whilst harnessing the latest green technology to make these houses highly energy efficient."

Paul Pitcher, managing director of contractor Wellington, said: "We are very pleased to be working with Breckland Bridge once again, following our successful collaboration to build ten new homes in Attleborough.  We are a local company which employs local people and uses local sub-contractors, so as well as providing new homes, this project will support construction jobs for people here in Norfolk."