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Hampshire-based Bargate Homes has hired Luke Vallins as Head of Planning to strengthen the internal team. Luke will be responsible for the premium housebuilder’s planning strategy for land interests across Hampshire and beyond, which includes both immediate and longer-term sites.
Bargate Homes is currently delivering 900 homes across six live developments and has a pipeline of future sites expected to deliver in excess of 2,500 new homes. In his new role, Luke will oversee the consultant teams and take sites through the planning process, with the aim of achieving allocations and planning permissions to enable delivery of high quality developments. He will also work closely with Bargate’s land team and assist with identifying and reviewing new opportunities, to ensure visibility of a strong pipeline of new sites, to continue to fulfil the need for new homes in the region.
Previously working as a Senior Planning Manager at Foreman Homes near Fareham, Luke has been involved in a range of residential and mixed-use schemes, and has extensive experience of complex sites with multiple planning issues. Having also worked at planning consultancies Terence O’Rourke Barton Willmore, and Pro Vision, he has an excellent understanding of high-level vision and concept work, alongside detailed planning and design matters. Luke holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography from the University of Southampton, as well as a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Planning from University of Reading.
Luke Vallins, Head of Planning for Bargate Homes, said: “I’m delighted to join Bargate Homes, as they have a fantastic reputation across this region for delivering genuinely excellent developments. Having visited a number of Bargate schemes prior to and since joining, it’s easy to see why. The brand is synonymous with quality and attention to detail, and it’s great to be a part of the company’s journey moving forward.”
Bargate Homes has recently launched its 34-acre Rivercross development in the Hampshire village of Warsash. The £128m project will create a new community of 352 eco-focused family homes at the mouth of the River Hamble, less than a mile from the world-famous Warsash Maritime Academy.
The £32 million Hamblewood scheme, near the village of Hedge End, has also recently launched, which is a mixture of 123 apartments and houses. All the properties will be EPC-B rated with the development overlooking ancient woodland.
At the £97m Heritage Place scheme in North Stoneham Park, close to the Hampshire town of Eastleigh, two show homes have recently been unveiled to the public. The 322 eco-focused homes qualify for Green Mortgage rates.
Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes, said: “It’s great to have Luke on board, especially heading up our planning team which is the lifeblood of this business. We are always on the lookout for development opportunities that inspire us, and Luke and the team are totally aligned with this strategy. Luke’s skillset and experience within the regional planning and new homes industry will be an invaluable addition to Bargate Homes.”
Established in 2006, Bargate Homes builds select developments in prime locations within the Hampshire region. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vivid – Hampshire’s largest provider of affordable homes.
