Dorset-based AJC Group is a finalist in the 2023 Planning Awards, for the highly competitive ‘Planning for Affordable Housing’ category. The Awards are run by Planning Resource Magazine and judged by 22 planning industry experts.
The 25 awards showcase the outstanding work across the planning and placemaking sectors. The various categories recognise excellence in planning and associated placemaking disciplines, including heritage conservation, urban design, economic development, partnership working, environmental consultancy, housing, and law. The event will take place on Thursday 8th June at London’s IET Savoy Place.
In the five years since AJC Group was established, the rapidly growing housebuilder has tripled its turnover, profit, and team. The founding trio of directors has grown to a multi-disciplined team of over 35 professionals, with AJC Group receiving a national accreditation from Investors In People in 2022. The affordable housing specialist was also crowned Housebuilder of the Year and Fast-Rising Property Company of the Year at The Business Magazine’s 2022 South Coast Property Awards. The company is also a 2023 Property Week RESI Awards finalist.
Simon McFarlane, Head of Planning at AJC Group, said: “We are really pleased to have been shortlisted in this year’s Planning Awards in the ‘Planning for Affordable Housing’ category. We currently have five 100% affordable housing developments under construction, with more at various stages in the planning pipeline.
“At a time when the average house price in parts of the country is 10+times the average salary, and there is a chronic undersupply, we are proud to be delivering new eco-efficient affordable housing that is appropriate for modern living and enhances wellbeing.
“The whole ethos of this business is to increase the provision and quality of affordable housing across the Wessex region, so to be recognised by the Planning Award judges for the first time is a credit to the work of the entire in-house team and our trusted consultants. We look forward to the event in June, when we can all celebrate the achievements of the UK’s planning industry.”
AJC Group has committed to raising £10,000 for a local homelessness charity this spring, while pledging to build 500 new affordable homes across the Wessex region by 2028. The team is in training to collectively walk 1,500 miles during the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge in May, to raise vital funds for Bournemouth-based Hope Housing, Training and Support.
Six sites are currently under construction by AJC Group, including a development in the village of Okeford Fitzpaine near Blandford Forum in rural Dorset. Live projects on Lindsay Road, The Sloop, and Herbert Avenue, are all located in Poole, while The Sonnet apartment scheme is in Bournemouth. The firm has also recently started construction at one of its largest projects, which will deliver 57 affordable houses and apartments for Aster Group within the former Dorchester Brewery regeneration scheme.