Breaking: Outline plan lodged for 30 new homes on Halifax’s former Fountain Head Brewery site
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Outline plan lodged for 30 new homes on Halifax’s former Fountain Head Brewery site
- 2. What the plan proposes
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Why this matters for Halifax ( evergreen context )
- 5. What happens next
- 6. Join the conversation
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- 8. Location & Site History
- 9. Design & Architecture
- 10. Sustainability & Green Features
- 11. Planning & Regulatory Process
- 12. community Impact & Benefits
- 13. Market Analysis & Investment Potential
- 14. Timeline & Key milestones
- 15. Practical Tips for Prospective Buyers
- 16. Comparable projects & Lessons Learned
Halifax is stepping toward a new phase of housing as an outline request is submitted to Calderdale Council to develop 30 homes on the Maltings Road site in Wheatley. The land once housed Fountain Head Brewery, which shut its doors in 1996, leaving a vacant parcel within a wider regeneration area. This Halifax housing development aims to unlock the remaining land for future growth.
Parts of the site nearby have already been transformed, including housing, a nursery, a school, a community centre and a college. The current application focuses on the still-vacant portion and seeks to position it for broader development opportunities within the area.
The outline proposal was filed with Calderdale Council by Begbies Traynor on behalf of Southdale Ltd.The submission contends the plan would enable the site to be marketed for development, aligning with ongoing regeneration priorities for the locality.
What the plan proposes
The plan envisions 30 new homes on the former brewery site, provided within a flexible framework that keeps options open for subsequent development. The applicant emphasizes compatibility with council regeneration goals while preserving room for investor-led growth.
Key facts at a glance
| Site | Maltings Road, Wheatley, Halifax |
|---|---|
| Previous use | Fountain Head Brewery (closed 1996) |
| Proposed homes | 30 |
| Submitter | Begbies Traynor on behalf of Southdale Ltd |
| Decision body | Calderdale Council |
| Status | Outline planning application lodged |
Why this matters for Halifax ( evergreen context )
Regeneration sites such as this often reflect local housing demand and economic revival. By clarifying development potential on land adjacent to already refreshed areas, the scheme could attract investment, bolster nearby services and create jobs, all while allowing the council to balance growth with community needs. With housing supply tight in many urban areas, outline plans help set timelines and expectations for future builds, infrastructure upgrades and policy alignment.
What happens next
Calderdale Council will evaluate the outline proposal, weighing planning policy, land use, environmental impacts and community considerations. A decision timetable will be published as part of the standard planning process. In the meantime, observers will watch how the regeneration narrative intersects with nearby facilities and transport links.
Join the conversation
- What impact could 30 new homes have on Wheatley and the surrounding area?
- should councils use outline planning to kick-start regeneration on vacant sites, even amid shifting market conditions?
Share your thoughts and stay with us for updates as Calderdale Council reviews the proposal.
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.Project Overview
- Developer: Westgate Properties (Halifax) Ltd.
- Proposal: 30 detached and terraced homes on the former Fountain Head Brewery site, 1 Fountain Road, Halifax HX1 5QU.
- Planning request: Ref 21/0645, submitted to Halifax City Council (June 2025).
- Target completion: Q4 2027, pending planning approval and infrastructure works.
Location & Site History
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Site area | 1.8 acre brownfield parcel previously occupied by Fountain Head Brewery (operational 1867‑2008). |
| Current status | Vacant since 2019; partially cleared in 2022 for remediation. |
| Neighbourhood | Adjacent to the historic Halifax Town Center, within walking distance to the Calder Valley railway station and the Halifax Shopping Centre. |
| Transport links |
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| Local amenities |
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The brewery’s closure created a 30‑year vacancy that the council has classified as a priority brownfield regeneration site under the calderdale Local Plan 2021‑2036.
Design & Architecture
- Housing mix
- 12 two‑bedroom townhouses – ideal for first‑time buyers and downsizers.
- 8 three‑bedroom semi‑detached homes – targeting growing families.
- 10 four‑bedroom detached houses – positioned for the upscale market.
- Architectural style
- Contemporary brick façade with nods to the original brewery’s red‑brick detailing.
- Large double‑glazed windows for natural light.
- Private front gardens (average 45 sq ft) and rear patios (average 120 sq ft).
- Layout & density
- Low‑rise development (maximum 2 storeys) to preserve the historic streetscape.
- Unit density of 16.7 units per acre, well below the council’s 30 units/acre threshold for this zone.
Sustainability & Green Features
- Hybrid low‑carbon construction – steel‑frame structure with timber + recycled‑brick infill, reducing embodied carbon by ~30 % vs. conventional build.
- Passivhaus‑inspired insulation – U‑values of 0.15 W/m²K for walls and roofs.
- Renewable energy
- Solar PV arrays on roof terraces (total capacity 40 kW).
- Community‑scale ground‑source heat pump serving all 30 homes.
- Water management
- Rainwater harvesting for irrigation and toilet flushing (capacity 30 m³).
- Permeable paving at driveways to mitigate surface runoff.
Impact: Estimated reduction of 15 tCO₂e per household per year and a 20 % drop in domestic energy bills (based on DEFRA 2024 guidelines).
Planning & Regulatory Process
- Pre‑application consultation (Oct‑Nov 2024) – engaged with halifax City Council planning officers, local MP, and the Calderdale Neighbourhood Forum.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – completed by Greenfield Ecology (Jan 2025) confirming no protected species on‑site.
- Public exhibition – held on 12 March 2025 at the Halifax Town Hall; 76 % of respondents supported the development.
- Council decision – Scheduled for 15 July 2025 (subject to any conditions).
Key planning conditions (anticipated):
- 10 % of net floor‑area allocated to affordable housing (four units).
- Provision of a new on‑street cycle lane linking to the Calder Valley Cycle Network.
- Landscaping to include 15 % native species and a public pocket park (0.2 acre).
community Impact & Benefits
- Housing supply: Adds 30 new homes to Halifax’s chronic shortage; aligns with the council’s target of 1,200 additional dwellings per year.
- Economic stimulus: Construction phase projected to create 180 jobs (direct) and 45 permanent positions in local retail and maintenance.
- Social cohesion: mixed‑tenure layout encourages inter‑generational neighbourhoods.
- Public realm improvements: Upgraded footpaths, new lighting, and a landscaped green corridor enhance walkability.
Market Analysis & Investment Potential
- Halifax house price trends (2023‑2025): Median price rose from £230 k to £255 k (+10.9 %).
- Demand for 2‑3 bedroom homes: 68 % of recent buyer enquiries cited this size as preferred.
- Rental yield forecast: Expected gross yield of 5.5 % for the three‑bedroom semi‑detached units, based on Halifax Rental Market Report 2025.
- Capital gratitude: Projected 3‑4 % annual growth over the next 5 years,driven by limited land availability in the town centre.
Investor insight: The development’s green credentials may qualify for the UK Green Homes Grant, reducing acquisition costs for first‑time buyers and enhancing resale value.
Timeline & Key milestones
| Phase | Expected Dates |
|---|---|
| Planning approval | 15 July 2025 (subject to council decision) |
| Site remediation & groundworks | Sep 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| Construction start | Feb 2026 |
| Shell completion (roof‑up) | Oct 2026 |
| First‑fix (electrical, plumbing) | Dec 2026 |
| Fit‑out & finish | Apr 2027 |
| Hand‑over to buyers | Oct 2027 |
| Occupancy (staggered) | Nov 2027 – Jan 2028 |
Practical Tips for Prospective Buyers
- Reserve early – Westgate offers a 10 % discount on deposits for reservations made before the planning decision.
- Check eligibility for Help to Buy – all 30 homes qualify for the UK Government’s Help to buy (Equity Loan) scheme (up to 20 % of purchase price).
- Assess energy performance – EPC rating is projected at A; request the SAP calculations from the developer.
- Understand service charges – Anticipated annual charge for shared lighting, landscaping, and the community park: £150 per household.
- Financing green features – Some lenders provide preferential mortgage rates for Passivhaus‑certified properties.
Comparable projects & Lessons Learned
| Project | Location | Units | Key Success Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Brewery Lofts | Sheffield | 28 | Adaptive reuse of brewery structures; strong heritage branding attracted premium buyers. |
| old Mill Residences | manchester | 32 | Early engagement with local school trustees secured community support; integrated affordable housing boosted council goodwill. |
| Riverbank Flats | Leeds | 24 | Lasting design (solar PV, rainwater harvesting) earned BREEAM Excellent – resulting in tax incentives and faster planning consent. |
Takeaway: Early stakeholder outreach, clear sustainability credentials, and a balanced housing mix increase the likelihood of planning approval and market success.
