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Leading private housebuilder Bloor Homes is inviting local residents to share their views on plans for a new sustainable community in Chester. The development will deliver up to 200 high-quality homes including 45% affordable housing to meet critical local need.

The proposed neighbourhood off Whitchurch Road near Christleton comes as Cheshire West and Chester Council faces a significant housing shortage, with a requirement to build nearly 2,000 new homes annually. The scheme would provide choice for local people at all stages of life, with nearly half designated as affordable homes available through a mix of tenures.

The sustainable neighbourhood will transform currently inaccessible private land into a thriving community centred around the historic Abbots Well. Around a third of the site – approximately 2.6 hectares – will become publicly accessible green space with areas for nature to flourish and a 10% biodiversity net gain to enhance local habitats.

Residents are being encouraged to attend a public drop-in event on Tuesday 1st July 2025, from 3pm to 7pm at the Mercure Abbots Well, Chester where they can meet the project team, view the proposals in detail, and ask questions.

Toby Hudson, Strategic Land Director at Bloor Homes, said:

“We’re committed to delivering a development that truly meets the needs of the local community. That’s why we’re so pleased to be able to deliver much needed new homes in a location that offers so much in terms of access to green spaces, but also easy access to neighbouring Christleton village and Chester city centre.

“Nearly half of the homes will be affordable, providing real housing choice for all walks of life – whether that’s for people to get onto or move up the housing ladder, someone looking start a family, enjoy their own space, or a property to downsize to. As we shape our proposals, we’re keen to hear from the community about how we can best make this development benefit Chester.”

Located on the edge of Christleton, the site offers excellent connectivity with Chester Railway Station just 1.5 miles away and regular bus services including Boughton Heath Park & Ride, providing direct access to the city centre. Several local schools are within walking distance, along with shops and amenities on Whitchurch Road and at the nearby Caldy Valley Retail Park.

The neighbourhood will include integrated walking and cycling corridors throughout, connecting to existing local routes and the canal towpath into Chester. These sustainable transport links will help reduce car dependency and promote healthier lifestyles.

The new community also brings substantial benefits to the wider area with the scheme expected to generate over 300 construction jobs and provide a £2 million boost to the local economy. Members of the public have until Friday 11th July to submit their feedback. As well as attending the drop-in event, residents can visit www.newhomesforchester.co.uk for more info about how to get involved and more ways to submit their feedback.

Following consultation, the developer aims to submit a planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council later this year.

Bloor is the largest private housebuilder in the UK and has a 55-year track record of delivering high-quality, standout homes – earning them five-star status by the HBF seven years running.