Housebuilder Strata has acquired land in Wingerworth, Chesterfield, marking its first independently bid Homes England scheme and signalling the developer's ambition to compete at the highest level of UK housebuilding.
The site, purchased from Homes England, forms part of one of the country's most significant brownfield regeneration projects, transforming a former Coking Works into a thriving new community.
Strata secured the land following a lengthy and competitive tender process, demonstrating its ability to go head-to-head with the UK's largest housebuilders and PLCs.
Planning permission was granted in June 2024 following a delegated approval process, with the planning officer recommending the application after all consultee comments were addressed. Members of the public were invited to submit comments via the North East Derbyshire Council website throughout the application process, with feedback closely monitored and incorporated into the site layout design where possible.
The development, named Expression, will deliver 217 new homes with a gross development value of £72m. Of these, 150 will be available on the open market through Strata, with 28 for shared ownership, and the remaining 39 allocated for affordable rent in partnership with Platform Housing.
Strata has designed bespoke house types for the development, reflecting the high design standards required by Homes England. The developer has worked closely with Tilia Homes, Homes England, and North East Derbyshire Council to establish the site entrance and coordinate specialist groundworks to address the site's historic industrial use.
As part of its agreement with Homes England, Strata is committed to an employment and training scheme throughout the build programme. Targets include sourcing at least 25% of labour locally, leveraging 40% of contracted work within the local supply chain, and maintaining regular engagement with local schools and the wider community through workshops, talks, and events.
The development will also deliver wider community benefits, including contributions to local highways networks and education facilities, a travel guide for new residents highlighting public transport, cycling and pedestrian routes, and three new play areas across the site.
Mark Leaf, Chief Growth Officer at Strata, said: "This site marks our first Homes England scheme where we have bid independently, highlighting our ability to compete with the UK's largest housebuilders and PLCs. The successful acquisition will enable us to build on our established partnership credentials, particularly with public sector partners, to deliver high quality, design-led developments. The development's scale will provide an anchor for our business in a strategic location, and we hope will act as a catalyst for future partnership work."
Julie Robinson, Head of Disposals at Homes England, added: “This is a significant milestone for the project following positive collaboration between all parties. Strata’s proposal demonstrates a strong focus on design quality, delivery and supporting local communities, and we welcome the benefits this new development will bring to the area.”
Cllr Steve Pickering, Cabinet Member for Planning at North East Derbyshire District Council, said: "This development will build on the new homes already being delivered in the area. This next stage of redevelopment also represents the positive regeneration of a remediated brownfield site, bringing it back into beneficial use. Through the planning process, we have worked to ensure the scheme provides a mix of housing and wider benefits for residents, including affordable homes and investment in local infrastructure."
Strata's experience centre and show homes are due to open in October 2026, with the first homes ready for occupation from November 2026.
