Chartway Partnerships Group is proving that sustainable, high-quality housebuilding is possible, with a focus on local communities, environmental responsibility and economic growth
We’re all well aware that the UK is facing a housing crisis, with demand for homes continuing to outstrip supply across the country. This is particularly evident in the South East, where soaring house prices and a lack of affordable housing make it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers and renters to secure a home.
In December 2024, the government announced an ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes over the next five years, aiming to tackle the shortage and create more opportunities for people to get onto the property ladder. But with a complex planning system, rising costs and economic uncertainty, is this goal achievable? And, crucially, will these new developments genuinely meet the needs of local communities?
Housebuilding is more than just bricks and mortar – it shapes communities, fuels economic growth and defines the region’s future. While speed of delivery is important, housebuilders must also prioritise quality, sustainability and accessibility. One company working at the forefront of this mission is Chartway Partnerships Group.
Steve Cresswell, CEO of Chartway, understands the complexities of the sector. He explains: “The South East’s housebuilding landscape is dynamic, characterised by a strong demand for both private and affordable housing. The government’s ambitious target to build an average of 300,000 homes annually presents both challenges and opportunities. While the demand is evident, factors such as land availability, planning regulations and economic fluctuations influence delivery rates.”
Steve brings over 34 years of experience in the residential and construction sector, having managed businesses generating over £200 million in annual revenue for both regional and national PLCs, as well as private businesses. In recent years, his focus has been on leading companies within strategic land, partnership housing, and private rented and for-sale residential markets, all based in the South East. His passion for creating sustainable communities ultimately led him to Chartway Partnerships Group, where he has been instrumental in setting out a vision for delivering new homes for everyone across the region.
One of the defining factors shaping the housebuilding landscape is affordability. Steve highlights this as a key issue, stating: “Affordability will ultimately determine the outcome of achieving the government’s objectives. Significant grant funding will be required, along with rental settlements, which will dictate the number of affordable homes delivered from 2026 to 2031. The economic climate could also continue to weigh on private sales volumes if mortgage rates do not continue to fall and stamp duty and other political policy factors remain unchanged in this spring budget.”
Beyond affordability, the industry is shifting towards sustainability and innovation. Developers are adopting modern construction methods, integrating renewable energy solutions and using environmentally friendly materials to future-proof their projects. Chartway is embracing these trends by placing sustainability at the heart of its developments. “At Chartway, we are emphasising eco-friendly designs, utilising timber frame solutions through our group division OFP and engaging with local communities to ensure our developments meet their needs,” says Steve. The group’s environmental management system, aligned with ISO 14001:2015 standards, guides efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its projects, while its MissionZero: 2031 initiative aims for net-zero carbon emissions across all developments by 2031.
Chartway’s vision is to build vibrant, sustainable communities that cater to diverse housing needs. Built on a holistic approach, developments are designed to integrate seamlessly and bring lasting benefits to the areas they serve. “We are committed to delivering affordable homes without compromising on quality, integrating green technologies to minimise environmental impact,” explains Steve. “By collaborating with local suppliers and contractors, we aim to stimulate the regional economy, providing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. Our developments are designed to be inclusive, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the quality of life for residents.”
To achieve this, Chartway has outlined a clear strategy focused on business and community growth, delivering homes and services that add value to placemaking, investing in its workforce and ensuring a positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact. Community engagement is a key element of this strategy. “We believe in building more than just homes; we aim to create thriving communities,” says Steve. “This involves consulting with local residents during the planning stages, incorporating their feedback into our designs and providing amenities that enhance quality of life.”
The company actively supports local businesses by partnering with suppliers and contractors, helping its developments drive long-term economic growth in the region. This commitment helps strengthen the local economy and generate employment opportunities – bringing much-needed benefits to the South East.
In Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey, Chartway has submitted plans for 36 new affordable rented homes in partnership with housing association Moat. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing community, the project will provide much-needed housing while also supporting local employment during construction.
The development will offer a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, as well as two and three-bedroom houses. Sustainability is a key focus, with the homes designed to exceed current energy efficiency standards through the integration of Air Source Heat Pumps and EV charging points. The project prioritises biodiversity, incorporating native field hedges, wildflower meadows and scrub zones to support local ecosystems.
Chartway has also successfully acquired the Friday Street Farm site in Langney, Eastbourne from Wates Developments, part of the Wates Group. The 35-acre site, which benefits from outline planning permission granted by Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council, is set to deliver 250 new homes, marking a significant expansion of Chartway’s presence in East Sussex.
The multi-tenure development will include a mix of private sale, affordable and private rental homes. The scheme is designed to promote biodiversity and green infrastructure. Notably, the introduction of the ‘Chartway Bee’ initiative will enhance pollinator-friendly spaces while dedicated community open spaces will help foster a well-connected neighbourhood.
With the growing urgency to deliver new homes, maintaining quality and sustainability remains a top priority. Chartway ensures this by implementing rigorous quality control measures, selecting environmentally responsible materials and investing in workforce training. “We maintain an integrated supply chain,” says Steve. “With our in-house timber-frame division OFP now part of the Chartway family, we have enhanced control over our supply chain, allowing us to maintain timely delivery without compromising on quality.” This internal capability enables the company to mitigate supply chain risks, which have been a significant challenge for the housebuilding industry in recent years.
Steve acknowledges further obstacles related to planning regulations, land availability and economic fluctuations. He explains: “One of the primary challenges is navigating the complex planning system, which can lead to delays. To mitigate this, we engage proactively with planning authorities and stakeholders to address concerns early in the process. Land availability and rising costs also pose challenges. However, our strong relationships with landowners and strategic partnerships enable us to identify and secure viable sites.” Steve also stresses the importance of addressing the industry’s labour shortage. “The skills shortage in the construction industry is a growing concern, which is why we invest in training and development programmes to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of delivering our projects.”
As market conditions and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, Chartway takes a proactive approach, continually adapting its strategies to secure long-term success. “We continuously monitor market trends and regulatory changes to adapt our strategies accordingly. By maintaining a flexible approach, we can respond to economic fluctuations and policy updates effectively,” says Steve.
By focusing on mixed-tenure developments, investing in community infrastructure, and committing to long-term sustainability goals, Chartway is dedicated to ensuring that its projects not only meet current housing demands but also contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of the South East.
It leaves us wondering: what does the future hold for the South East and its communities? With government targets, economic pressures and shifting industry trends all at play, the next few years will be critical in shaping the region’s housing landscape. Will policymakers step up to remove the roadblocks slowing development? Will housebuilders be able to balance affordability, sustainability and quality at scale? One thing is certain – the choices made today will shape communities and ensure the prosperity of the South East for generations to come.
