Beaulieu wins ‘Best Shared Ownership Development’ award

L&Q is delighted to have won Best Shared Ownership development (rural and suburban) for Beaulieu, our joint venture with Countryside, at the Inside Housing Development Awards.

One of the most important new developments in Essex, Beaulieu is a sustainable urban expansion for the growing city of Chelmsford.

Set within the majestic former parkland of King Henry VIII’s Palace of Beaulieu, the landmark 610-acre development will deliver 3,600 new mixed tenure homes once complete.

Delivering significant affordable housing provision for the local area, forming a new district for first time buyers, next steppers and downsizers, L&Q at Beaulieu comprises 432 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom houses, all available for Shared Ownership.

A landscape led development, Beaulieu boasts 176 acres of public open space and has been designed to be completely accessible without a car, through an elaborate network of footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways. Shared Ownership homes are set amongst themed, manicured gardens and tree-lined avenues.

Extensive tree planting is taking place at Beaulieu; approximately 1,600 new trees and around 30 acres of new woodland will enhance the existing landscape and ensure the provision of habitats for local wildlife. Promoting a sense of community in the new development, there will also be several communal gardens, 26 acres of football pitches, 11 acres of allotments and an orchard on site. 

The development will provide sustainable and efficient Shared Ownership homes, each fitted with flow restrictors and low-capacity toilets, energy efficient lights, rain gardens and airtight insulation – reducing carbon emissions and running costs for residents.

Beaulieu has also been shortlisted in the Best Housing Partnership Category at the 2021 British Homes Awards, and the winner will be announced later this month. 

John Lumley, Strategic Sales Director at L&Q, said:

"This development showcases L&Q’s approach to placemaking by providing well designed, high-quality affordable homes and great open spaces. The Beaulieu homes have an amazing amount to offer people looking to put down roots, and a real sense of community has already been established.

There was some very strong competition from all the schemes shortlisted for this award, and it’s an acknowledgement of the strength of this development that we did so well.”