HOUSE builder Larkfleet Homes is sponsoring the Training and Development Category in this year’s Fenland Enterprise Business Awards (FEBA).

As many developers struggle during the recession, Larkfleet has gone from strength to strength with new sites in Eye, Bourne and Oakham to name a few.

Their focus is to build “high-quality, stylish properties” while working with housing associations to provide low-cost developments.

Earlier this year they won a contract to develop three sites funded by the Government’s Kickstart programme to get the house building market moving again.

Appointed to take charge of sales for the Kickstart properties, Jason Colmer said: “The properties for sale on the open market are of an incredibly high standard.”

The firm plans to build 226 open market and affordable homes in Eye and 47 in Bourne, as well as 42 homes on behalf of a housing association partner in Peterborough.

It has also got planning permission for a mixed use community development in Deeping St James which will consist of a new arts centre, a rugby club, a nursing home and affordable housing.

And if Larkfleet’s previous record is anything to go by, its latest homes are likely to be a treat.

The company was highly commended in the Best Development for First-time Buyers category at the Daily Telegraph’s Your New Home Awards for its work at The Meadows, also in Eye.

Larkfleet also scooped Best Development in the Daily Mail UK Property Awards as well as Young Enterprise Awards, certificates for being carbon neutral and a Green Apple Award for environmental best practice.

Managing director Karl Hick said: “These awards demonstrate just how Larkfleet Group is committed to providing not only much needed affordable housing but also sustainable housing.

“Our work with housing providers allows many first-time buyers to get their foot on the property ladder.”

• BOURNE-based property development company Larkfleet Homes (www.larkfleethomes.co.uk) are behind plans for a new development at Whittlesey East between Eastrea Road and Drybread Road.

If approved, the development will include around 460 homes, new shops, public open space and other amenities.

Also located on the development will be a 70-bed nursing home, a 50-bed ‘extra care hub’ and 15 close care bungalows.

Larkfleet Homes held a public exhibition of the proposed plans in Whittlesey in July last year where members of the development team explained the proposals and took on board views of local people.

Now revised proposals for the development have been submitted to Fenland District Council for planning permission.

Planning director Richard Edwards said: “We were keen to get the opinion of Whittlesey residents on this expansion of the town.

“We hope to get approval for the development as it will provide much-needed affordable housing to meet the needs of people ranging from homes for first time buyers right through to specialist accommodation for the elderly.

“The development will not only offer high quality sustainable homes but also enhanced community facilities, shops and plenty of open spaces.”