Skanska granted planning permission for first UK residential development

Full planning permission has been granted for Skanska to build 128 properties, to include houses and apartments, on its first UK residential development. Construction is due to start before the end of the year.

The development forms part of the Countryside Properties' Great Kneighton development in Cambridge, which has outline planning permission for a mixed use scheme that includes provision for 2,550 new homes, with community, retail, healthcare and educational facilities and access to 120 acres of parkland.

Skanska bought its first UK site in January this year, a  6.5 acre plot with outline planning permission for 128 properties. The purchase followed an announcement of its intention to establish a residential development business in the UK.

Skanska also confirmed today that it has completed the purchase of its second residential development site, to be based on the same Great Kneighton site in Cambridge. The new site is 12 acres and has outline planning permission for up to 310 properties and preparations are being made to obtain detailed planning permission. It is expected to submit an application during the first half of 2012, with construction planned to start in late 2012.

“Today is a very exciting day for Skanska. To have achieved full planning consent on our first site and completed our second land deal is a key milestone in our UK residential development plans," said Magnus Andersson, president of Skanska Residential UK.

Skanska maintains that all its buildings are based on sustainable principles and are developed to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.