Hellens pushes on with Burtree Garden Village
Along with Homes England, the developer has submitted plans for the arboretum section of the Darlington project, having received permission to build 750 homes in the initial phase of the scheme in May.
Hellens Group and Homes England acquired approximately 307 acres for the development, which sits on the north-western edge of Darlington.
The wider site intends to eventually provide around 2,000 homes, 2.15m sq ft of employment space, a primary school, a village hall, shops, and café, a play area, sports pitches, green space, and community allotments within a 500-acre plot.
Subject to planning approval, work on the arboretum is expected to begin early next year in conjunction with the ongoing development of the project’s first phase.
In September, Hellens brought in David West as group technical manager as part of its gearing up for Burtree. QWest brings extensive experience in civil engineering and project management, including spells at Lovell Homes North East, Avant and Banks Property.
Burtree Garden Village is one of two large sustainability-focused schemes being built in Darlington. The other is being developed by Banks Property and Skerningham Estates.
Constructed using soil and materials from the site, thus reducing the need for off-site disposal, the arboretum will feature a range of tree types including the rare black poplar, which is already growing on the site.
It will be designed as a raised mound with a viewpoint at the top, and will be connected to the village’s other green spaces by pedestrian and cycling routes.
Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Group, commented: “The wider Burtree Garden Village development is built around a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
“Nearly half of the site is dedicated to green spaces, and this arboretum is a key part of that strategy.
“By reusing site materials and planting a diverse range of native and ornamental trees, we’re creating a space that promotes biodiversity, well-being, and community interaction.
“Alongside our investments in infrastructure and housing, features like this arboretum are what will make Burtree Garden Village a place where people genuinely want to live, work, and grow.”
