Bellway has strengthened its long‑term commitment to the Linmere development in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, after completing the acquisition of two additional land parcels that will deliver 236 new homes.
The latest purchase forms part of Phase 4 of the wider Linmere masterplan, which already benefits from outline planning permission. Bellway will now prepare detailed proposals for submission to Central Bedfordshire Council, taking the total number of homes the housebuilder will deliver at Linmere to more than 700.
Bellway has been involved in the Linmere project since its inception and has already completed 307 homes across two developments within Phase 1. Detailed planning permission has also been submitted for a further 161 homes in Phase 3.
Neil Grainger, Land Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said the deal underlines the company’s long‑term involvement in the scheme. “We have been part of the Linmere project since the start, and this latest land acquisition confirms our commitment to the delivery of high‑quality housing in Houghton Regis,” he said. “Linmere is already becoming a well‑established community, thanks to the focus on placemaking and the early delivery of key facilities.”
The Linmere neighbourhood already includes a range of amenities designed to support residents from the early stages of development. Primary and secondary schools are operational, while the Farmstead community hub and a Lidl supermarket provide local services within walking distance. Extensive areas of public open space, footpaths and cycleways have also been delivered.
Outline planning permission for Linmere was originally granted in 2014, covering up to 5,150 homes alongside a mixed‑use local centre, schools, community facilities and public open space.
Bellway previously secured detailed consent in 2020 for 153 homes at Bellway at Linmere, off Sundon Road, followed by approval in 2021 for a further 154 homes at Linmere Gateway, off Waterslade Way. The final homes at Linmere Gateway are now available to reserve.
Detailed plans for Linmere Mews, part of Phase 3 and located off Woodside Link Road, were submitted in August last year. The development is proposed to comprise 161 homes, including two‑bedroom apartments, two‑, three‑ and four‑bedroom houses for private sale, and 24 affordable homes available for rent or shared ownership.