Hampshire-headquartered Metis Homes has undertaken £75,000 of ecology and grassland translocation works, in preparation for construction taking place at its £5m Harbour Reach development in the coastal town of Emsworth, Hampshire.
Working alongside Havant Borough Council, Metis Homes’ specialist ecologists have addressed Harbour Reach’s designation as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). By relocating rare grassland to common land, it will have a much greater chance to survive and thrive. A number of proactive measures will also be taken across the site to protect and enhance local wildlife.
Full detailed planning permission for the prized development opportunity, located on land off Long Copse Lane, was awarded to Metis in June 2022. The three-month ecology programme commenced on site during September. Due to the complexity of the works, the first homes at the bespoke development of nine two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses will become available for occupation in autumn 2023.
Alistair Harris, Planning Director for Metis Homes, said: “The complex ecology works at our site in Emsworth illustrates how bespoke residential development can fund and facilitate the ecological betterment of the wider area. Without the sensitive action to translocate an area of important grassland, it may not have survived, as it sat on private, unmanaged land.
“By transplanting an area of turf on our Harbour Reach development site to an adjacent meadow, the floristic diversity can be improved. Working alongside Havant Borough Council, we are proud to be delivering biodiversity net gains, including landscape enhancements, new wildlife habitats, and additional features of interest.
“We want to pass on our thanks to all those living locally for their patience while these complex ecology works take place. The Metis Homes team is really looking forward to seeing construction activity progressing, as these nine eco-focused homes are in very high demand.”
The one-acre (0.4 Ha) Harbour Reach scheme is located a mile from Emsworth town centre and train station. The harbourside neighbourhood is nestled in Chichester Harbour. It is also three miles from the idyllic Emsworth Yacht Harbour, which is the current winner of the Coastal Marina of the Year (under 250 berths).
75% of the scheme has already been reserved off-plan. There are two final homes available for build completion in late summer/autumn 2023. Both are three-bedroom semi-detached houses, each with driveway parking for two cars. The available homes offer 1,099 sq ft and 1,114 sq ft respectively, with green credentials including photovoltaic solar panels, EV charging points, and energy-efficient boilers. Prices at Harbour Reach start from £490,000.
The development plan features mature woodland trees and hedgerows, as well as newly planted trees and hedgerow to provide additional wildlife habitats. Bat and bird boxes are being installed in carefully chosen locations to increase roosting and nesting opportunities. Modern bat-friendly roofing membranes will also be used for the construction of the homes, and a network of hedgehog highways will be purposely fitted within new boundary fences.
A purpose-designed hibernacula for the local reptile population, which will be made from rubble, logs, sleepers, topsoil, and rough vegetation, is also being created at the Harbour Reach development by Metis Homes’ team of specialists.
Just beyond the development boundary, there is a network of footpaths leading to picturesque harbourside walks. The traditional architecture and red brick elevations of the new houses are inspired by the local Emsworth vernacular.
Internal specification features for the new homes include fibre broadband, and all flooring included, which is from a range of Karndean hard flooring and premium carpet choices. Bathrooms feature contemporary sanitaryware and complementary Porcelanosa wall and floor tiles, while the designer kitchens have integrated white goods and Neff cooking appliances. All principal bedrooms will feature built-in wardrobes, while the four-bedroom homes will also benefit from built-in wardrobes to bedroom two.
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