New planning approval for McBains after archaeological discovery leads to partial re-design

The scheme was originally approved in April 2019 but a re-plan of around 20 plots was needed after a Roman villa was discovered in the south-eastern area of the site. In order to allow for the preservation of the archaeological find, the developers agreed that no homes or hard-standing would be placed on the ground above the villa’s remains. Instead, the land above the structure will be turned into a public space, with information boards and a virtual tour outlining what was discovered beneath the ground.

Forming part of the wider Millfields mixed use urban extension area, the scheme provides 137 dwellings, comprising 41 affordable homes and 96 market homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses.

The primary character of the front of the development reflects a formal arrangement of buildings with the use of repeated gable forms and an aesthetic approach which draws cues from a neighbouring suburb and the pre-war houses fronting the arterial road.

For more information please contact Peter O’Rourke at [email protected].