Hightown Housing Association has submitted planning permission for 158 new affordable homes and three commercial units in the Maylands area of Hemel Hempstead.
The new development, located on Wood Lane End and phase two of the ‘Heart of Maylands’ project, will provide much needed new homes for people unable to rent or buy a home at market rates.
If approved, the new homes will bring 26 two and three bedroom houses and 132 one and two bedroom apartments to the area. Plans for the new development include green spaces for residents to relax in and socialise.
This will be Hightown’s largest development to date and is the second phase of the Heart of Maylands project. The first phase is located opposite and is their current flagship development, Maylands Plaza, which is made up of 130 flats and ten shops. It built a ‘heart’ in Maylands Business Park to retain businesses, employees and drive future investment in the area. Hightown’s head office (Hightown House) is also just over the road on Maylands Avenue.
As well as providing new homes, the development will create jobs with three commercial units bringing work places and homes closer together. The new homes will be in a very convenient location, with local shops and amenities within walking distance. The area is also well served by public transport.
The scheme is one of several projects where Hightown has purchased the land directly and will enter into a contract to build the extra affordable homes rather than working in partnership with a house builder to deliver affordable homes as a planning obligation. Hightown Housing Association is one of the UK’s fastest growing housing associations after building around 1,000 homes in the last two years.
Andrew Royall, Development Director for Hightown Housing Association, said: “These exciting plans show our continuing commitment to providing as many homes as we can to people at below market rates. This will be our biggest development to date and it seems fitting that the new homes will benefit people in our home town of Hemel Hempstead, where Hightown was formed over 50 years ago.”
