A housebuilding consortium comprising Davidsons Homes, William Davis Homes and David Wilson Homes has started work on the first phase of 574 homes, open space and infrastructure at the Thorpebury development to the North-East of Leicester.

Developer CEG, the landowner and the consortium exchanged contracts earlier this year to bring forward much-needed homes, including affordable housing, in Charnwood.

This phase of the development, known as Thorpebury-in-the-Limes, will provide a comprehensive mix of housing, high-quality landscaping and green spaces including sports pitches, play areas, parkland and new walking and cycling routes.

A new haul road and temporary bridge have been delivered to facilitate construction with access from Hilltop Road avoiding local villages. Earthworks, infrastructure and utilities will be delivered between now and the end of the year with work starting on housing construction in the new year. The first homes will be ready for occupation in late Summer 2022.


Transport initiatives will also be delivered in nearby Barkby and Barkby Thorpe to reduce speeds and make travel through the village safer. There will also be financial contributions made for new education provision and other transport improvements.

Will Martin, area manager at CEG, explained: "Three high quality housing partners have been selected to deliver the first phase. Along with the high-quality landscaping and open space, this will ensure an exemplary and characterful development."

CEG and the consortium have worked closely with Charnwood Borough Council to deliver a strategic approach to the design of this first phase, which will provide a mix of homes ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms, including affordable homes.

Adjoining the city, Thorpebury is close to existing employment, services and public transport links. Thorpebury will make a significant contribution towards meeting the Borough's housing needs over the next 15 years.

This private sector led development is forecast to create 3,500 construction jobs and 3,200 permanent jobs within the development, benefiting the local economy.