KEY DETAILS
The Skylarks
Location: Westoning, Bedfordshire
Homes: 148
Partners: Amplius
Project Duration: 2 years
Gross Development Value: £56.9m
Land: Greenfield
Social Value: Section 106 contributions totalling £2.45m
Introduction
The Skylarks is situated in Westoning, Bedfordshire and will bring 148 new homes to the area. It is well located, close to the M1 and rail connections which offer direct services to London, as well as routes to Luton and Gatwick airports.
Housing Delivery and Affordable Homes
Vistry is delivering new homes at this development through our Bovis Homes retail brand, offering properties for sale on the open market. In addition to these, 24 affordable homes have been provided, further supporting local housing needs.
Community Facilities
Located on a former greenfield arable site, The Skylarks offers residents access to three hectares of open space, including a 450sqm Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) situated in the northeast corner of the site.
While no new community buildings are being constructed on-site, a substantial package of contributions has been secured through the S106 agreement to enhance local infrastructure and amenities. These include:
- Over £146,000 for improvements to Westoning Hall,
- £16,000 for Flitton and Greenfield Village Hall
- £122,000 for early years provision
- £571,000 for primary schools
- £750,000 for secondary schools.
Further contributions include £97,000 for children’s play facilities and a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Westoning Recreational Ground, £103,000 for outdoor sports facilities, and £31,000 for upgrades to Flitwick Library. Additional funding includes £139,000 for Flitwick Leisure Centre, £156,000 for NHS and mental health services, £50,000 for walking and cycling infrastructure, £20,000 for burial provision, and £33,000 for upgrades to Highfield Court bus stops.
These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting thriving, well-connected communities.
Jobs and Local Business
The development of The Skylarks has provided a Site Manager with their first opportunity to lead a project from start to finish - supporting local employment and professional growth.
This development has 25 contractors working on site that live in the local area.
Commitment to Nature and Sustainability
Vistry is committed to Homes for Nature, a plan to help wildlife thrive in the places we build.
The development has:
- 15 bat boxes
- 22 swift boxes
- 30 bee bricks
- 2 reptile hibernacula located in the open space
- 140 hedgehog highways
The Skylarks also incorporates various sustainability measures such as PV and EV charging points.