Hayfield Appoints Connells as Selling Agent on EPC A-rated Worcestershire Development

Hayfield has appointed estate agency group Connells to be its selling agent on the £20m Hayfield Grove scheme, located in the Worcestershire village of Hallow. While only 2% of new homes are currently being built to EPC-A standards, these 55 new homes will deliver zero carbon ready living to the outskirts of Worcester. 

Located adjacent to Greenhill Lane, Hayfield Grove will launch to the market for off-plan sales this summer, with the first homes scheduled to complete before the end of the year. A marketing suite will be unveiled in 2023, showcasing Hayfield’s eco-focused specification, which includes air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, energy-efficient underfloor heating, enhanced insulation, smart electric vehicle fast-charging points, 100% renewable energy, and fibre optic broadband.

Hayfield secured planning approval for the prime 5.5-acre (2.23Ha) site – which includes the creation of 2.5-acres of outstanding new Public Open Space – from Malvern Hills District Council earlier this year. This will join up with the extensive landscaped open space and fully equipped playground that was created as part of the original Hayfield Meadow scheme, which the multi award-winning housebuilder completed in 2019.

Shelley West, Regional Sales Director for Hayfield said: “Situated only three miles from the cathedral city of Worcester, Hallow is a really popular village. There has been a high level of interest for this eco-efficient new development since construction work commenced, especially in the context of the energy price rises of late. 

“We are really looking forward to the launch of Hayfield Grove because we will be able to take reservations off-plan. Connells is the ideal selling agent for us to work with because of the team’s knowledge of the local second-hand market, as well as new homes. They will be able to advise prospective purchasers who want to upgrade to Hayfield Grove when their current home needs to be placed on the market.”

The Hayfield Grove site was allocated within the Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan for Hallow, produced in consultation with local residents. Hayfield’s designs for this new development are heavily influenced by traditional homes in the village and the Hallow Design Guide. The architectural style combines red brick with stone features and contrasting dark roof tiles.

Katy Harwood, Head of West Midlands New Homes for Connells, said: “We are so excited with this instruction, as Hayfield Grove will bring much sought-after EPC-A rated family homes and bungalows to this highly popular village location. A large number of our applicants specify Hallow in their search criteria, as it has so much to offer in terms of lifestyle and accessibility. Hayfield Grove will give locals the opportunity to upgrade to a luxurious new home and will also meet the pent-up demand from house-hunters looking to relocate to the outskirts of Worcester.”

Hayfield will create new landscaped walking and cycling routes to connect the new scheme into the neighbourhood. New wildflower planting and a biodiverse pond will create significant ecological benefits. The density of the development will be archetypally Hayfield and much lower than typical new build schemes, with extensive planting incorporated into the masterplan, including orchard tree planting appropriate for the site’s Worcestershire context. 

Hallow’s convenient location is ideal for commuting, shopping and visiting the many attractions Worcestershire has to offer. The quintessential village itself is very vibrant and the Crown Inn pub at Hallow is known to be a destination for those living in the surrounding area. Hallow Primary School – situated close to the site – is highly regarded by local families, while the development also falls within the catchment of the Ofsted Outstanding-rated Chantry School for 11–16-year-olds, which is in the nearby village of Martley.

The Hayfield Grove development is being part-funded by the £67m facility with OakNorth Bank.

Hayfield is currently on site delivering over 400 homes at nine developments across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. The company is on track to increase turnover to £150m during this year.