Potton Road

Location: Wrestlingworth, Bedfordshire

Potton Road

Potton Road was an affordable housing development by Central Bedfordshire Council. It was a flagship scheme that enabled SMD to manage the project with third party consultants - demonstrating our commitment to achieving the very highest standards. With a focus on sustainability, the development of five homes incorporated the latest renewable technologies. These included air source heat pumps, underfloor heating systems, energy saving metering and shut off systems.

Client

Central Bedfordshire Council

Completed

Approximate Value

£1.4M

Completion Date

February 2022

Sector

Residential

Contract Type

JCT Traditional Contracts with Contractor Design Portions

Our Responsibilities

This was the very first affordable housing project in the village, so initially the local community was concerned about potential disruption from the build. However, during the course of the project and through community engagement activities, we were able to turn hearts and minds in our favour. This proved invaluable when it came to progressing the 278 highways works, because the backing of the local community enabled us to execute this element seamlessly and with minimal disturbance.

This project took place during the height of Covid-19 and Brexit also impacted the construction marketplace, due to material fluctuations and shortages. Despite this, we were able to de-risk the project via robust procurement techniques and cooperation from our approved supply chain. The homes were finished to a very high standard and achieved a defect-free handover.

In Summary

Residential development, design and logistics
Challenging external works including highways and infrastructure
Hard and soft landscaping
Completed to achieve EPC B rating
Archaeological interest prior to commencement

Social Impact

We were keen to involve the local community in the project and various engagement activities were carried out during the course of construction. For example, SMD organised a litter-picking event within Wrestlingworth and provided new equipment to the parish wildlife and walking group. We also installed bug hotels and incorporated hedgehog holes to boost local wildlife and habitats. In addition to providing local raffle prizes, we invited the community to utilise excess materials from the build for their own projects.

The five houses at Wrestlingworth is one of the best managed projects I have seen from start to finish. Right from the start of the project, SMD had complete control of the site and their contractors with any questions raised by CBC, the site team had these items closed out within one week. At the start of the project, we had an issue with a waterlogged site, but SMD managed this so there was no delay to the project. When it came to handover, this was the first site handed over snag free and to an exceptionally high standard. I am pleased that we are continuing the working relationship now on other projects.