The Group takes its environmental obligations seriously by applying a range of measures, including exclusively developing brownfield sites in sustainable locations, obtaining ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ certification on relevant schemes, working with ecologists to ensure preservation of protected species, constructing ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems’ where feasible and producing Green Travel Plans where appropriate.
Environmental considerations are not, however, limited to carbon reduction, biodiversity and renewables etc as the quality of the built environment affects everyone.
A high quality environment relies on placemaking, the process of designing the complete environment that forms a development, allowing distinctiveness to be created and, where this is successful, has the potential to shape the quality of life we experience.
Weston Homes are responding to the challenge of placemaking on developments such as:
An outstanding high rise development in the heart of London’s world-famous Olympic Legacy district, with stunning cityscape views and a river frontage.
A serene riverside development which is extending the regeneration of the River Lea as a new residential neighbourhood within walking distance of the centre of this historic town.
A development of flats and houses on the River Darent close to the town centre, which is part of the transformation of a former industrial landscape.
The conversion and restoration of a Grade II Listed Building in a dominant position above the surrounding landscape to form 36 homes set amongst ornamental gardens returned to Victorian splendour, at the heart of a new village of about 200 dwellings.
A mix of houses and apartments positioned to form two distinctive open spaces, one extending along Edgware Brook as a natural riverside, the other with formal planting. The site is well connected by paths with excellent public transport services and local facilities within reasonable walking and cycling distance.
Distinctive, high quality places also require high quality buildings to be successful. A number of the Groups’ existing developments, such as Bridges Wharf, Battersea and King’s Island in Uxbridge, are already award winners and current schemes described here continue that standard.
When we value and enjoy our built environment we protect it for future generations and there are other positive outcomes too:
• Social and cultural differences are put aside.
• Communities have a sense of pride and belonging.
• Making an area an appealing place to live, work and visit attracts businesses which can contribute to the economy of the area. An example would be our Business Centre and commercial developments at QV and Hawkins Wharf in Colchester.
Environmental protection and placemaking are key contributors in the support of the Group’s aims and will continue to be a major focus for our developments in the years to come.
