Chris Skidmore Mp Visits Bitton Mill
14 Feb 2018

Chris Skidmore, MP for Kingswood, was keen to learn how Linden Homes’ Bitton Mill development in Bitton was progressing during a recent visit.

The MP toured the new development with Linden Homes’ sales and marketing director, Sue Scholfield; head of technical, Stuart Smith; and site manager, Paul Brain. They spoke about the construction, history and ecology of the site, while also discussing the importance of the Help to Buy scheme – where over a third (42 per cent) of sales at Bitton Mill have been made through Help to Buy.

Chris Skidmore MP said: “I was impressed that local people will be able to join the property ladder, or make their next move and afford the space they need, at Bitton Mill. Help to Buy really is helping people and it was great to see first-hand how the scheme is benefitting the community.”

Historically, the brownfield site housed a battery mill that produced brass and copper goods, it then converted into a paper mill and an iron foundry, before manufacturing seats for Morris cars and plastic fittings for the automotive industry. Production ceased in 2006 and the site was left derelict until it was granted planning permission in 2016 for the development of 113 new homes, together with the change of use of the gatehouse and canteen buildings.

Mr Skidmore added: “I loved speaking to the Linden Homes team about the history of the site. They’ve been working with the parish council and residents’ association and it was pleasing to see that they’ve managed to salvage part of the weighbridge, which has become a permanent feature near the entrance of the site.”

Commenting on the ecology works, Linden Homes’ sales and marketing director, Sue Scholfield, said: “The ecology is fascinating, there are 16 bat species in the UK and 11 were found at the Bitton Mill site. In response to this, a suitable bat house was built to accommodate the diverse range of bats.”

Sue said: “We were pleased to welcome Chris Skidmore MP to Bitton Mill, which enabled us to discuss important industry issues. He was interested in every aspect of the project and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to show him around – it’s certainly a development we are very proud of.”

Sensitively designed to reflect the local vernacular, whilst drawing on the site’s industrial heritage, the development will feature a range of one to four bedroom homes for sale and is due to be completed in 2020. 

The sales and marketing suite at Bitton Mill is open daily between 10am and 5pm, off Mill Lane, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HJ. The company is creating new homes in Bishop’s Cleeve, Thornbury, Bitton, Bath, Radstock, Chippenham, Salisbury, Kempsey.

-ENDS-

Media can contact Emma Mackay on 077383 12960 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.

References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.

All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.