Watermills, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Development Overview

Watermills is a large-scale new build homes development by Gleeson Homes, situated on Apedale Road in Apedale, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire (ST5 6BH). The development is set to transform a 39.5-acre site into 330 high-quality, low-cost residential units. Gleeson Homes, a developer specialising in affordable housing for first-time buyers and families on low to average incomes across the North of England and the Midlands, has designed the site to offer a blend of semi-rural living and urban accessibility.

The overall scheme comprises a mix of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom semi-detached and detached new build homes, offered in a choice of urban and rural elevation styles. The anticipated starting price for properties on the development was previously reported to be from £140,000, aligning with the developer’s commitment to affordability. Interested parties should contact the on-site sales team for current pricing and plot availability, as current brochure prices are to be confirmed.

Property Details

The 330 new build homes at Watermills include various popular house types designed for modern family living. These include the 3-bedroom semi-detached ‘Lisburn,’ the 3-bedroom detached ‘Renmore,’ and the 4-bedroom detached ‘Carlow,’ among others. All homes are constructed with attention to detail and come with a practical, family-friendly specification. Standard external features included with every plot are turf provided to both the front and rear gardens, along with full 6ft boundary fencing, eliminating an otherwise common additional expense for new build homebuyers.

Potential buyers should note that while Gleeson Homes is highly regarded for delivering affordable housing, customer reviews on build quality and aftercare are mixed, with the company currently holding a 3.64 out of 5.00 rating on a major review platform. While many customers praise the smooth buying process and the value for money, others report snags and inconsistent post-completion customer service, which should be factored into purchasing decisions.

Location and Connectivity

Watermills benefits from its position adjacent to Apedale Country Park, providing immediate access to significant green open space and leisure opportunities, which is a core benefit of the location. Gleeson Homes has contributed financially to the park, including a play area and trim trail equipment fund, and a Biodiversity Net Gain contribution.

Transport links are readily available. The development is well-connected by road, offering seamless links to the A34, the A500, and the M6 motorway network for regional travel. Public transport is accessible, with a bus stop on Audley Road providing frequent services to key local destinations including Chesterton, Kidsgrove, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Stoke-on-Trent. For rail travel, Longport Train Station is approximately a nine-minute drive away, offering North Staffordshire Line services to major hubs such as Crewe, Derby, and Stoke-on-Trent.

Local amenities and schools are served by the nearby communities. While a dedicated local mainstream school name is to be confirmed, Watermill School, a specialist education facility for ages 3 to 16, is located in the area. Local conveniences, shopping, and essential services are within a short commute.

Practical Information

The Watermills development is a significant undertaking, with an anticipated timeline that included the launch of three show homes in October 2023, and the first residents moving into their new homes in the Autumn of 2023. Prospective purchasers interested in securing one of these new build homes are encouraged to contact the developer directly to enquire about current plot releases, pricing, and viewing arrangements for the show homes.