Eco-planting, a children’s play area and a cycle path will all be part of a new development on a former colliery site in Bedworth.
The Astley Fields scheme is being built by Bellway on land once occupied by Newdigate Colliery, off Astley Lane, creating 169 homes.
As well as providing 169 new homes, Bellway will be creating green areas with ponds along the length of the development as well as around a large public open space to the west of the homes.
Native species in the form of trees and shrubs will be planted, and the swathe of woodland between the properties and the open space will be retained.
Grassland around the development will be managed as a species-rich wildflower meadow and there will also be sections of thicker grass and log piles around the main open area.
A hardstanding play area will be at the entrance to the open green space. This will include play apparatus such as a target rebound wall, a zip line, climbing net, see saw and swings. There will also be benches and safety surfacing.
A new cycle path will run along an open area to the north of Honeysuckle Close, entering the development on the north-eastern corner. Cycle paths are also planned for the area of public open space, running around the play area and through the grassland, emerging at three exits onto Astley Lane.
Richard Beesley, Contracts Manager at Bellway West Midlands, said: “We approach our developments with immense respect for the natural environment. That’s why we have taken such care to ensure that our green open spaces at Astley Fields are carefully managed, with native planting, retention of trees and shrubs and areas of wildflower meadow. It will be quite a transformation from the colliery site that once stood here.
“At Bellway we pride ourselves on the added benefits we can bring to a development that make them great places to live. We are making the most of the natural landscape and the plants and trees that are already here to create an attractive place where people can get a breath of fresh air and wildlife can thrive.
“Paths, cycleways and play equipment will make this space a valuable asset for residents of all ages – whether they live at Astley Fields or elsewhere in town.
“On top of this, we are also investing almost £2 million in local services and facilities as part of the planning agreement for the development.”
Developer contributions being made by Bellway include £740,000 for schools, £390,000 for sports development and £310,000 for off-site open space and maintenance. A sum of £222,000 is being provided for bus services and bus stop maintenance while £199,000 has been allocated for hospital and NHS services.
Astley Fields is a development of 127 properties for private sale, featuring a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, and 42 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership.
The homes are being built on the site of a colliery that operated for more than 80 years before it closed in 1982.
For more information about Astley Fields, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/astley-fields or call the sales team on 024 7728 2066.
