Housebuilder strikes £31m deal to build 80 luxury eco homes close to Bedford railway station

Developers have struck a £31m deal to build 80 eco-friendly luxury homes in Bromham.

Hayfield has bought the 10.4 acre site close to Bedford railway station - a key hub for London commuters - with backing from OakNorth Bank.

The planning application is currently being considered by Bedford Borough Council.

Named Hayfield Park, the prestigious scheme will incorporate public open space, a fully equipped children’s play area and highly sustainable two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Features will include air source heat pumps, energy-efficient underfloor heating, the smartest electric vehicle fast-charging points available, ultra-fast broadband and sound-deadened studies.

Mark Booth, managing director of Hayfield, said: “Our live schemes in Silsoe and Clifton are among the best-selling developments in the county. But more of the same is never enough, so Hayfield Park will deliver something very different, featuring our brand new ‘Green Revolution’ homes.

“These 80 highly efficient homes will demonstrate how conserving energy and the environment doesn’t need to make any compromises to our signature luxury style.

“This new development will play a crucial part in meeting our 2021/2 delivery forecasts and the continued support from OakNorth ensures we can keep growing the business at a rapid pace.”

The site was marketed by Savills’ Cambridge office, on behalf of land promoter The Fairfield Partnership. Thirty per cent of the homes have been designated for affordable housing.

Ben Barbanel, head of debt finance at OakNorth Bank, said: “We’re in constant admiration when looking at Hayfield’s growth story to date, as they continue to defy the challenges encountered by much of the property industry since the pandemic struck.

“This prime site in Bedfordshire sits well within our current sweet spot of funding high quality and spacious out of city centre residential projects.

“We have no doubt that Hayfield will be going above and beyond to create a new eco-friendly community and are once again delighted to be supporting Hayfield’s development activity and enabling the rapid expansion of this innovative young housebuilder.”