Cornwall Housebuilders Invest £17 Million in Community, Construct 2,000 Homes, and Boost UK Economy

Barratt Developments, the umbrella company encompassing Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has announced a significant investment of £17.1 million into community contributions and the construction of over 2,000 properties in its West region during the last financial year. This substantial effort has not only enhanced local communities but also contributed more than £401 million to the UK’s economic output.

The company’s remarkable achievements are outlined in a newly released report, providing insights into their social and economic impact during the year 2023. Highlights from the report include:

• Creation of Over 110 Hectares of Green Space: Barratt Developments dedicated more than 110 hectares of green space, equivalent to 158 football pitches, for the benefit of the community.
• 636 New School Places: The housebuilder’s contributions extended to addressing the educational needs of the region by providing 636 new school places.
• 620 Affordable Homes: Making housing more accessible to the local population, Barratt Developments constructed 620 affordable homes.
• Charitable Contributions: The company donated £325,000 to various charitable causes through company donations, employee fundraising, and supplier sponsorship, facilitated directly or via the Barratt Foundation.
• Employee Volunteering: Employees collectively contributed 1,113 hours of volunteering to support community initiatives.
• Biodiversity Commitment: Barratt Developments displayed its commitment to biodiversity by installing 258 swift nesting boxes on its developments.
• Local Contributions: The company invested £17.1 million in local contributions, including s106 and equivalent contributions such as the Community Infrastructure Levy.
• Employment Opportunities: Barratt Developments added 68 new graduates, apprentices, and trainees to its workforce, contributing an estimated £700,000 to the wider economy.
• Infrastructure Improvements: The company allocated £92 million for various physical works, including highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes, and community facilities.
• Job Creation: The housebuilder played a pivotal role in job creation, generating a total of 5,579 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, equivalent to 2.7 jobs per dwelling.
• Energy Efficiency: An impressive 99% of the homes constructed by Barratt Developments received an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of ‘A’ or ‘B,’ showcasing their commitment to energy efficiency.
• Supporting Local Suppliers: The company supported 818 sub-contractor or supplier companies, creating local employment opportunities and resulting in a total spend of £405 million.

Nicki Reid, Sales Director for Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter, expressed their dedication to transparency in their social and economic impact. “In 2013, Barratt Developments pioneered the first economic footprint report among housebuilders. A decade later, our commitment remains unwavering as we continue to make significant contributions to society, the UK economy, and the local communities where our developments thrive,” she said.

Reid added, “Ensuring transparency regarding our social and economic impact is one of our top priorities. We’ve consistently viewed ourselves as more than just a housebuilder, and we hope that these statistics underscore our broader contributions. These results speak volumes and evidence that we’re creating lasting legacies, and our tangible benefits resonate far beyond bricks and mortar.”

Currently, Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter is actively involved in construction at Treledan in Saltash.

For further information, please visit Barratt Homes or David Wilson Homes.

Barratt Developments’ substantial investment and contributions to the community highlight their commitment to both local residents and the overall UK economy. With their continued dedication, they are making a significant impact that extends far beyond their housing developments.