Residents in Central Bedfordshire are being asked to share their views on proposals for an innovative new housing development aimed at renters, that will be complemented by a large country park.

The scheme, called Present Made of Mill View, is located at Thickthorn Farm, just north of Houghton Conquest and south of Wixams Park in Central Bedfordshire.

It will include up to 650 homes, a primary school with early years provision, children’s play spaces and sports pitches, a community barn for local services, as well as a 87-acre country park, including new woodland.

The site, which received outline planning permission in 2019, is being delivered by Present Made, the UK’s first developer of purpose-built family homes and residential communities specifically designed for renters. The business is wholly owned and funded by real estate investment manager Apache Capital, which has purchased the site from Valorem.

Alan Penfold, executive director at Present Made, said: “Present Made of Mill View will provide high quality new homes that cater for renters of all ages and stages of life, and that allow them to really put down roots. Renting doesn’t have to be temporary.

“Our plans are to create places with more useable public open spaces, and greater affordable housing options that promote sustainable living, wellness and a sense of community.

“We are aiming for the homes themselves to be low carbon smart homes, set in an environment that helps residents live safe and healthy lives.”

The new country park will be delivered within the first phase of the scheme and will make up half of the development’s total area, creating a landscape buffer between the development and Houghton Conquest. It will integrate with the main scheme via landscape corridors, offering residents access to green spaces throughout the development, and supporting local wildlife.

To appeal to a broad range of people, a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes will be provided at Mill View, which will be owned and managed by Present Made for the long-term. 

Residents will benefit from a range of on-site shared social spaces, as well as an on-site management team.

All the homes will be highly energy efficient thanks to the integration of smart technology and the use of modern methods of construction. The housing will be delivered in two phases; an initial residential gateway followed by the main phase.

A consultation period is now open to seek local views on the plans. Residents can share their feedback here or by attending virtual meetings on the 10^th and 11^th November at 19:00 (sign up at bit.ly/PM-Mill-View).  

Alternatively, people can call 0800 448 0857 or write to FREEPOST Mill View Consultation to request further information in hard copy.