Upper Yeld, Peak District National Park

Following the successful delivery of several projects for Peak Rural Housing Association, Allan Joyce Architects was appointed to design a new affordable housing development on a disused former play area in Bakewell.

The development provides much-needed homes for local people, demonstrating how carefully considered design can transform underused land into attractive, sustainable communities.

The Brief

Our client wanted to create a small development of affordable homes that would help local people get homes while responding sensitively to Bakewell's distinctive character.

The challenge was to maximise the potential of a constrained brownfield site, delivering high-quality homes that complemented the surrounding streetscape and provided comfortable, practical living for modern lifestyles.

The Design

The development comprises a mix of one and two-bedroom terraced homes, carefully designed to meet local housing needs while creating an attractive and cohesive street scene.

Inspired by the traditional architecture of the Peak District, the homes feature natural limestone, lime mortar, stone window surrounds and timber casement windows, ensuring they sit comfortably within their surroundings while offering the quality and durability expected of contemporary housing.

Inside, each property has been designed for modern living, with open-plan kitchen and dining spaces opening directly onto private gardens, separate living rooms and well-planned layouts that make the most of every square metre.

Creating Sustainable Communities

As well as delivering much-needed affordable homes, the development incorporates features that support future lifestyles.

Each property benefits from allocated parking and electric vehicle charging points, helping residents transition towards lower-carbon transport while ensuring the homes remain fit for the future.

By carefully balancing traditional materials with modern design principles, the scheme creates homes that are both sustainable and enduring.

The Result

This development demonstrates how thoughtful residential design can unlock the potential of underused sites while meeting local housing needs.

Working closely with Peak Rural Housing Association, Allan Joyce Architects delivered a high-quality affordable housing scheme that enhances its surroundings, provides desirable homes for local residents and supports the long-term growth of the community.