Nurton Developments (Quintus) Ltd has announced one of the largest residential land transactions of the year at its flagship mixed-use development at Branston Locks in Burton upon Trent.

Places for People (PfP), the UK's leading social enterprise, has acquired 103 acres within the scheme to support its mission to accelerate the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes across the country.

Tim Gardiner, Group Development Director at Places for People, said: "We are delighted to get involved in this development which will see around 1500 new mixed-tenure homes delivered including private sale, affordable rent and shared ownership. PfP is committed to supporting the government's ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes and is experienced in creating and supporting thriving Communities. Developments like this, which contribute positively to the local area, are vital in providing much-needed housing, particularly affordable housing, as well as improved infrastructure, and enhanced community facilities."


The site has already seen deals completed with national and regional housebuilders, including Crest Nicholson, Taylor Wimpey, Lovell, and Cameron Homes. More than 500 homes are currently occupied, with a further 400 under reserved matters approval.

Nurton Developments has led the Branston Locks project since 2008, investing £8 million into primary infrastructure as master developer. Supported by a Strategic Infrastructure Award, the site is set to deliver 2,500 homes and one million sq ft of commercial space, aiming to generate up to 3,000 jobs.

As part of its long-term placemaking strategy, Branston Locks includes extensive green infrastructure, open sports and recreation spaces, and new education facilities. A primary school opened in September 2024 under the John Taylor Multi Academy Trust, alongside a newly built secondary school. These facilities were secured through a Section 106 agreement that provided the land and £18 million in education contributions.

Infrastructure enhancements continue, with a £10 million upgrade to the Branston Junction road network nearing completion.

Ian Willicombe, Development Director at Nurton Developments, said: "This sale represents a major milestone for the scheme and Nurton, demonstrating the quality of Branston Locks as a strategic location and underlining our strength as a business to deliver a scheme of this scale and invest at an early stage to bring forward one of the UK’s largest urban extensions."

He added: "As a master developer, we've taken the site from former agricultural land to a thriving and sustainable community, and we feel Places for People are the right fit for the scheme—a respected provider who shares our long-term vision."

Branston Locks is also adjacent to a 70-acre woodland park on the Needwood Scarp and will feature a new village centre with local retail, community amenities, and green spaces across from the school campus.