Housebuilder behind application for Grantham homes

The housebuilder behind plans to build a 1,300-home estate at Manthorpe (just north of Grantham) held an opening ceremony of a renovated manor house at The Croft, a lifestyle living development for the over 55s in Bourne, Lincolnshire. The existing manor house has been restored to its former glory by Larkfleet Homes, part of the Larkfleet Group, as part of The Croft development. Now that refurbishment work is complete, senior members of staff from Larkfleet Homes, development partner Keystone Developments, residents and special guests were invited to the official opening of the historic building.

David Palmer - a regular face on daytime antique shows such as 'Flog It!' and 'Antiques Roadshow' - cut a ribbon to signal the manor house 'officially' open. Karl Hick, managing director of Larkfleet Homes and Bob Walder, CEO of Keystone's parent company Longhurst Group, each delivered a short speech.

Karl Hick said: 'This opening ceremony marks the culmination of months of hard work by Keystone Developments and Larkfleet Homes and I am delighted that the manor house is now officially complete and open for residents to enjoy t
o the full.'

Bob Walder commented: 'Building homes is only part of the equation - building communities is much more important in the long term. The restoration of The Croft will help create a strong community spirit in providing a focal point for residents to meet and get to know each other.'

The manor house has already hosted a variety of free-of-charge activities for residents and local people including craft afternoons, wine and cheese tasting sessions and flower arranging classes. There is a full schedule of community events planned at the manor house throughout 2013 and homeowners are already organising their own community groups and clubs.

The Croft consists of 69 one and two-bedroom bungalows and two and three-bedroom chalets arranged around attractively landscaped courtyards.

Larkfleet has developed a range of finance schemes and options which it can tailor to suit individual buyers.

For example, if purchasers need help to sell their existing property, Larkfleet, as part of its 'assisted move scheme' will provide valuations for their home from two local estate agents. When the current market value is agreed, Larkfleet then manages the process of selling the existing home, right through to exchange of contracts - including liaising with the agents, advertising and negotiating with prospective purchasers. On completion of the sale of the existing home and the purchase of a new home at The Croft, Larkfleet will also pay the estate agents' fees.

In addition, on selected plots at The Croft, homebuyers can agree to pay only a percentage of the purchase price and the remaining amount is then provided as an interest-free equity loan by Larkfleet, only repayable when the property is sold.

The proposed Larkfleet development between Manthorpe estate and Belton Woods golf course was first rejected in January 2011 by South Kesteven District Council's development control committee. The refusal was most recently upheld by Secretary of State Eric Pickles and then the High Court - decisions with which Larkfleet was incredibly disappointed.

The plan for the development itself included a care retirement community and a neighbourhood centre including a primary school and a health care facility as well as shops and a pub or hotel - improving the level and variety of services currently available in the area and for local communities.

Furthermore, Larkfleet recently introduced a new Community Fund scheme which directly benefits the communities where it has developments.

For every house built as a part of a new development, Larkfleet now donates a set sum to the Fund. If Larkfleet was to develop in Manthorpe, this sum would total tens of thousands of pounds.

In instances where the Fund is utilised, Larkfleet is adamant that local people should decide how the money is spent, whether that be on enhancing public open spaces, improving village amenities or providing some other community benefit - the opportunities are endless.

For more information on Larkfleet's developments, call 01778 391550