A HOUSING association and developer has announced it will be taking over the development of two schemes in Cheshire, including one near Chester.

The two housing schemes, Earlsbrook and Weaver Meadows, were placed on hold last year, following contractor insolvency.

They have now both been taken over by L&Q’s in-house construction team, after the developer carried out an extensive design and technical review.

Earlsbrook is a development of 166 homes in Delamere, built on the site of the former Marley Tile factory.

Currently, 114 of the 166 homes are occupied, with the other 52 in various levels of construction.

The work to be undertaken includes earthworks, public open space, drainage, roads and completion of the remaining properties.

Works have already started with the removal of 50,000m3 of earth.

This is essential in delivering the public open space and children’s play area for residents to enjoy.

The other development where construction was temporarily halted is Weaver Meadows, in Winsford.

The scheme consists of 215 two-to-five bedroom homes, 98 of which are currently occupied and the remaining 117 homes now to be delivered in-house by L&Q.

Works at Weaver Meadows are also set to start this autumn. These will include site clearance and landscaping as a first phase of construction, followed by rebuilding the remaining homes, as well as the delivery of roads and sewers.

L&Q has already built a new playground on site earlier this summer. The new play area features colourful play equipment including swings, balance beams, a roundabout and a net climber, as well as new flowering shrubs and trees. 

Adam Simpson, development and project managementdirector at L&Q, said: “At L&Q our mission is to deliver homes and communities that everyone can be proud of.

"Our size and financial stability, as one of the few housing associations with an in-house construction arm, have allowed us to step in and take over works at Earlsbrook and Weaver Meadows.

“Our sector has been faced with many challenges lately, including recent supply chain failures, but we are very pleased to be able to deliver on our commitment to residents and the local communities."