TV expert is involved in homes plan on Chippenham rectory site (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

TV expert is involved in homes plan on Chippenham rectory site

5:52pm Monday 10th December 2012 in News By Jill Crooks

Kevin McCloud

TV presenter Kevin McCloud is involved in plans to redevelop a former rectory in Chippenham.

Mr McCloud, a writer, designer and broadcaster, owns Hab and together with Chippenham based GreenSquare housing association, is consulting over proposals for 12 homes at the site in Parklands, Malmesbury Road.

There is a drop in event on Thursday at St Paul’s Church Hall, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, from 4pm to 7pm.

The plans are to convert the former rectory into two semi-detached houses, demolish bedsits next to the rectory and build six houses. Also on the site are four bungalows which are currently unoccupied and they will be refurbished.

The former rectory was most recently part of a sheltered housing scheme for older people run by Westlea Housing Association but the properties closed two years ago and have been empty ever since.

The plans are being developed by Haboakus - the joint venture between Hab and GreenSquare.
Haboakus project director Simon McWhirter said: “This is a splendid site with views of an absolutely first rate civic park (John Coles Park), but the rectory and its grounds have been swamped by unattractive additions dating from the 1960s.

“We are very excited about the prospect of restoring the historic building to its former glory and building new houses that realise the full potential of this magnificent site.”

Haboakus was established in 2007 with the express aim of delivering places and homes that respect the local context, are strongly rooted in the community, are beautiful to look at and efficient to build and run.