The site, located off South Green in Dereham, was formerly used as a parts and service depot by Crane Fruehauf, a UK based manufacturer of commercial trailers. It was then briefly used by FP&S Ltd. However, the site has stood empty for 17 years, prior to Cocksedge’s first excavations for the new foundations.
The development consists of 39 new homes, bringing affordable housing to Dereham, with a high standard of construction. 34 homes will be provided for rent through a registered social landlord with 5 homes made available for shared ownership purchase. The project is being delivered for Flagship Homes and will be partially funded by Homes England.
Cocksedge are providing design and build services, including remediation of land contamination, which commenced Autumn 2025.
The original heritage of the site will not be forgotten as the development will be called ‘Crane’s Green’ after the local business which worked there for many years. A new street will also be given the name ‘Fruehauf Close’ as another tie to land’s previous occupiers.
When visiting the site for Cocksedge’s recent groundbreaking ceremony, Cllr Sarah Suggitt, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Planning for Breckland Council said:
“This is an entirely affordable development that goes well beyond the policy-compliant level. That means more local people will benefit from homes they can genuinely afford, helping residents stay close to work, family and their community connections. It also reflects our Breckland Housing Strategy adopted in 2024, which sets out a renewed commitment to collaboration and proactive engagement with partners. This site is a perfect example of that strategy in action, working together to enable the right types of homes in the right places, supporting the needs of our residents now and into the future.”
The first homes are planned to be completed and move-in-ready in Spring/Summer 2027. There will be a variety of different homes on offer from one-bedroom apartments, two and three-bedroom houses, and a two-bedroom bungalow.
Cocksedge’s residential team, and specialist division ABS Building Services, are excited to work once again with Flagship Homes to deliver the town with high quality affordable homes.
To hear from the project’s client stakeholders please click here: https://www.facebook.com/BreckCouncil/videos/were-pleased-to-see-construction-getting-underway-on-39-much-needed-affordable-h/949937644053482/
