Independent housebuilder Dandara has secured planning permission for Parcels 1 & 6 at Linmere in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of the wider Linmere community masterplan.
The approved 11-acre development will deliver 165 new homes, comprising a mix of private and affordable properties. The scheme forms part of the wider Linmere development which is set to provide up to 5,000 homes and a range of community amenities across the area over the coming years.
Linmere is a thoughtfully designed community centred around wellbeing and outdoor living, with amenities including The Farmstead café and community hub, primary & secondary schools, play areas, sports pitches, allotments and extensive walking and cycling routes. With around 90 acres of green open space, landscaped parks, nature areas and family playparks throughout the development, residents are never far from nature.
Parcel 1 will comprise 58 private sale units within Bidwell Green, while Parcel 6 will deliver 107 units within the Barns and Baileys Character Area. Across the scheme, a range of architectural styles, brick tones and materials will be used to create a distinct neighbourhood identity while reflecting the local character of the area. As part of the Section 106 agreement, the development will contribute to three new primary schools and a new secondary school next door as well as public open space and green infrastructure. Sustainability commitments also include the use of responsibly sourced materials, including timber, from sustainably managed forests where possible.
The approved plans place a strong emphasis on sustainability, connectivity and community infrastructure. A 20mph speed limit and shared-space streetscape will be introduced to encourage safer and more sustainable travel patterns throughout the neighbourhood. Public footpaths will also run through the inner and outer areas of the site alongside biking and cycling improvements connecting residents to the two busway and woodside employment areas. The framework travel plan will set out the common approach to encourage sustainable travel patterns.
Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, comments:
“Securing planning permission at Linmere represents an important milestone for Dandara as it reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high quality, sustainable properties across our prosperous region. Linmere is a standout example of long-term placemaking and combining new homes with green infrastructure, improved connectivity and community amenities that will benefit both existing and future residents. We look forward to progressing construction and playing our part in the continued growth of this important new community at Houghton Regis.”
The development is being delivered as part of the wider Linmere consortium scheme delivered by Master Developer Land Improvement Holdings overseen by HMRC. Groundbreaking is set to take place over the coming months, with the first homes expected to launch for sale in November 2026 and the first private sale is expected to complete in December 2026.
Dandara continues to expand its presence across the Northern Home Counties, with new homes currently being delivered across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. To find out more, please visit www.dandara.com/linmere.