Having gained outline planning consent for the former Sugar Beet factory in Allscott, Northern Trust has confirmed that local developer SJ Roberts Homes Ltd have now entered into a contract to purchase the 67.46 acre site.

The currently derelict site can now be turned into 470 new homes, a new primary school, a new sports and social club plus public open space, improved highways and associated bus services.

A Northern Trust spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that SJ Roberts Homes Ltd has been identified as the preferred development partner. They are a proven local house builder and their previous schemes have focused on quality and communities. We continue to work alongside them in bringing this high quality scheme to fruition.”

Northern Trust gained outline planning for the site on behalf of landowners British Sugar.