Redrow South East welcomed Natural England to its flagship Crown Hill View development in Ashford, Kent. The visit marked the official recognition of the £3.5m Conningbrook Wetland – a best-in-class example of nature-led housing development in the UK.
The wetland features 140,000 reeds across 3.2 hectares, on former agricultural land. Delivered by the premium housebuilder and its partners, is one of the first of its kind in Kent, designed to prioritise biodiversity through the offsetting of nutrients, whilst creating much needed energy efficient new homes.
As well as achieving nutrient neutrality through the off-site wetland, residents of Crown Hill View benefit from a unique living experience with wildlife so close by.
Chris Lilley, Managing Director, Redrow South East, said: “At Crown Hill View, we’ve brought forward a scheme that proves sustainable development is not just possible, but scalable. Through close collaboration with Natural England, Quinn Estates, local stakeholders and our delivery partners, we’ve embedded biodiversity gain and nutrient mitigation from the outset – while also delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local families.”
Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England and provided advice to Redrow to ensure the development could be achieved, while supporting nature recovery and managing impacts on water quality.
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said: “Nature underpins our nation’s growth, health, and security. That is why we must invest in nature recovery now rather than pay the price of damaged ecosystems in the future. Developers have a crucial role to play in ensuring that economic growth and environmental health go hand-in-hand.
“Natural England was delighted to support Redrow to contribute to nature recovery, while delivering the homes the country needs. We look forward to working with them and other housebuilders across the country, advising them on creating homes surrounded by nature rich green space for families to enjoy.”
Conningbrook Wetland is designed to naturally filter excess nitrates and phosphates from the Great Stour River, helping to achieve nutrient neutrality for the new homes. It also delivers a major boost to local ecology, providing vital habitat for wildlife and contributing to the health of the wider river ecosystem.
Public access is supported via an enhanced right of way that includes a bridleway path, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the wetland responsibly.
As well as the wetland, Redrow South East also worked with Natural England on creating off-site habitat to protect and enhance populations of the legally protected great crested newt. This was achieved through Natural England’s District Level Licensing scheme, which helps unlock development and growth by streamlining the planning process, reducing uncertainty, and providing strategic ecological gains.
Beyond the wetland, Crown Hill View comprises 278 one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom energy efficient houses, including private homes and affordable housing. All the houses are part of Redrow’s Eco Electric specification, featuring air source heat pumps and underfloor heating on the ground floor as standard – making them fit for low-carbon living.
The first phase of the development, which is estimated to be completed by this autumn, consists of 147 homes with over 40 homes already occupied. The development will also feature a Co-op, delivered by Quinn Estates, a Bowls Club, and a primary school.
