Halstead: Bournewood Park development opens to public

Housebuilder Hopkins Homes has officially unveiled the first homes at Bournewood Park, a 197-property development on Bournebridge Hill.

It offers a mix of one to four-bedroom homes, with 30 per cent designated as affordable housing.

The scheme, which blends modern housing with a strong environmental focus, was first showcased to invited guests at a private launch event on May 23 before opening to the public the following week.

Developers say Bournewood Park is setting a new benchmark locally for sustainability.

Modern - The 197-property development on Bournebridge Hill offers one to four-bedroom homes (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

New - Properties come equipped with air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and electric vehicle charging points (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

Sustainable - The scheme blends modern housing with a strong environmental focus (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

The site will deliver a 17 per cent biodiversity net gain, significantly above the usual 10 per cent target, alongside extensive landscaping and public open spaces.

Plans include the planting of 550 native trees, an 11 per cent increase in hedgerows, and dedicated features such as hedgehog highways and bat-friendly areas to support local wildlife.

A new spine road has also been introduced through the development, with long-term potential to serve as a future bypass.

By the time the development is complete, Hopkins Homes says the site will have made a “positive environmental impact”.

All homes at Bournewood Park are built using timber frames and are completely gas-free.

Each property comes equipped with air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, electric vehicle charging points and A-rated appliances as standard, reflecting a shift towards energy-efficient living.

Community - The development offers 30 per cent affordable housing (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

Future - A new spine road offers long-term potential to serve as bypass (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

Two show homes are now open, giving buyers a first look at the specification and layout.

The three-bedroom show home, currently on the market for around £400,000, includes integrated appliances, two ovens, underfloor heating and a 10-year warranty.

A larger four-bedroom show home demonstrates upgrade options, including enhanced worktops and finishes.

Buyers also have the opportunity to personalise elements of their homes, including kitchen styles, handles and tiling choices.

Market - The three-bedroom show home is currently on the market for around £400,000 (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

New - Housebuilder Hopkins Homes has officially unveiled the first homes at Bournewood Park (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

Eco-friendly - Plans include the planting of 550 native trees and an 11 per cent increase in hedgerows (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

A key feature of the development is its inclusive play area, designed in partnership with Kompan to ensure it is accessible to all children - including those who are disabled or neurodivergent.

The development will also be entered into the national “Building for a Healthy Life” scheme, with Hopkins Homes confirming plans to apply retrospectively.

One of the first released homes has already reserved and another is potentially under offer.