Cameron Homes has forward‑sold 66 family homes at its £40 million Hawksley Rise project in Redhill, Nottinghamshire, to emh Group for £15 million, creating a sizable addition to the region’s affordable‑housing stock.
Deal accelerates construction timeline
The cash injection will let the builder speed up the build programme, pushing the public sales launch forward to February 2027. Earlier milestones will now be met sooner, allowing residents to move in ahead of the original schedule.
This acquisition marks the first collaboration between the Staffordshire‑based housebuilder and emh Group, which manages roughly 20,000 properties across the East Midlands. The partnership aligns both parties’ goals of expanding affordable‑home availability.
Funding for the off‑plan purchase came from emh’s Homes England grant programme, a detail noted in the transaction documents. The grant is intended to stimulate delivery of homes for families in need.
The grant forms part of Homes England’s strategy to leverage private capital for affordable‑housing projects, encouraging developers to accelerate timelines.
Scope of the development
The 17.2‑acre site will host 28 two‑bedroom houses, 32 three‑bedroom plots and six four‑bedroom designs, all aiming for a high EPC rating. Design standards emphasize energy efficiency and long‑term durability.
Targeting a high EPC rating means the homes will incorporate superior insulation, triple‑glazed windows and low‑energy heating systems to approach near‑zero carbon performance.
Units are earmarked for social rent and shared ownership. The first keys are slated for handover in the first half of 2027, providing new homes to local households. Emphasis on affordability guides the allocation process.
Groundworks have already begun, and a sales office is planned for early 2027 to market the 78 homes intended for the open market. Marketing efforts will highlight the development’s community benefits.
Local impact and amenities
When completed, the scheme will add 5.6 acres of public open space, including a children’s play area, an attenuation pond, and bird and bat boxes on retained trees. These features aim to enhance biodiversity and recreation.
The attenuation pond, situated at the lowest part of the site, creates a natural water feature that supports local wildlife.
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The location offers easy walking access to two pubs, a convenience store, churches, bus stops and several well‑rated schools. It sits five miles from Nottingham city centre and close to the market town of Arnold, providing convenient links for daily travel.
Nearby, the builder is midway through constructing 57 family homes at Mapperley Meadows, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the region.
In a brief statement, Chris Jones, executive director of housing and development at emh Group, said the purchase will make “66 wonderful new family houses … available to local people who need them most.” He added that the site’s proximity to community facilities, schools and transport made it a logical choice, reinforcing the project’s social value.
Elliott Lawley, senior land manager for Tara Group and Cameron Homes, noted that “deals like this are exactly what the government is seeking, in order to deliver the 90,000 affordable homes required across the UK each year.” He explained that the site was bought with detailed planning already secured and that an RP partner was selected through a competitive tender, ensuring robust project management.
The two‑year build will boost the economy across north‑east Nottinghamshire, creating jobs and supporting local suppliers throughout the construction phase.
Local contractors supplying timber and masonry will benefit from the increased workload.
Each dwelling will feature green‑energy specifications such as electric‑vehicle chargers and solar PV panels, showing a commitment to sustainability and lower utility costs for future occupants.
This partnership could set a precedent for similar forward‑sale arrangements in the region.
Planning and future phases
Gedling Borough Council granted full planning consent for 144 houses on the site earlier this year, making it the largest single land purchase for the builder since its founding in 1994. The approval reflects strong local support for expanding housing options.
Access to the development is via the A60 Mansfield Road, and the plan includes provisions for increased biodiversity alongside the residential units. Improved transport routes will facilitate movement for residents and service vehicles alike.