Category: News

Urban Village Group Welcomes Government’s New AI Planning Tool ‘Extract’ as a Catalyst for Faster Development of Specialist Care Homes.

Unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during London Tech Week, the new tool, named Extract, has been developed with support from Google to assist local councils and planning officers in processing applications more efficiently. By harnessing AI technology capable of scanning hundreds of documents in seconds – including decades-old, handwritten planning records – Extract aims to transform the manual, paper-based planning process that currently consumes an estimated 250,000 hours of officer time each year.

In early trials with Hillingdon, Nuneaton & Bedworth, and Exeter councils, Extract proved capable of digitising historic planning documents in just three minutes per case – a task that typically takes up to two hours manually. The Government has committed to making Extract available to all local authorities by Spring 2026, with the long-term ambition of fully digitising the planning system and significantly reducing the time, cost and complexity of securing planning approval.

Urban Village Group believes this marks a significant breakthrough in helping to remove one of the key barriers facing developers of specialist supported housing, including much-needed children’s care homes. With planning processes often proving slow and unpredictable, the use of AI tools like Extract will offer developers and local authorities greater transparency, consistency, and speed – enabling the faster delivery of homes for vulnerable young people.

As a leading developer of specialist supported housing, Urban Village Group continues to work closely with care providers, local authorities and investors to meet the rising demand for safe, OFSTED-rated care homes across the UK. The adoption of AI within the planning framework represents an important enabler of this mission – helping ensure the right homes are built, in the right places, without unnecessary delay.

“The Extract tool represents a significant advancement in planning efficiency. For Cumulus Care, it means we can bring forward new specialist care homes with fewer delays, ensuring vulnerable individuals access the tailored support they need, more quickly and reliably.”

Louise Ashe-Crowe, Operations Manager, at Cumulus Care Services, Ofsted Registered

Urban Village Group supports the Government’s commitment to a fully digitised, more accessible planning system and looks forward to seeing the widespread rollout of Extract as part of this essential transformation.

“The introduction of ‘Extract’ is a welcome and long-overdue step towards modernising our planning system. For developers like Urban Village Group, who are focused on delivering high-quality specialist care homes, planning delays can have a direct impact on the wellbeing of the children and young people waiting for safe, supported accommodation. With faster processing and better access to planning data, this technology has the potential to revolutionise how we build – making it easier to bring forward the specialist housing solutions local communities urgently need.“

Peter Steer, Director at Urban Village Group

For further information regarding any of our developments or investment opportunities, email info@urbanvillagegroup.com or submit an info request via www.urbanvillagegroupinvestments.com.

Urban Village Group has proudly been named Best Nationwide Specialist Real Estate Developer 2025, an honour that recognises the company’s exceptional contribution to specialist social care infrastructure across the United Kingdom. The award specifically celebrates the development of Maple House, Birch House, and Fern House – three newly completed specialist care homes for children and young people, all of which have now been officially rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted following their most recent inspections.

Each home was designed and constructed with the highest standards of care, safety, and wellbeing in mind, in collaboration with trusted care provider Cumulus Care. These facilities were purpose-built to support children and young people with complex needs, offering a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic living environment. Urban Village Group worked closely with local authorities, regulatory bodies, and sector specialists to ensure that every element of the developments met – and in many areas exceeded – national care standards.

Located across the West Midlands, Maple House, Birch House, and Fern House are now home to young residents who are receiving round-the-clock care in a warm, supportive environment tailored to individual needs. From calm sensory spaces to private gardens, education areas, and tailored support facilities, every detail of the design reflects a deep understanding of the requirements of looked-after children and those requiring specialist therapeutic intervention.

Urban Village Group has become a leader in the delivery of socially responsible investment-led developments in the healthcare and specialist living sectors. With increasing demand for specialist children’s care placements across the UK – driven by rising numbers of children in care and the closure of substandard facilities – the company’s work is proving critical in addressing a growing national need.

By blending strong financial models with ethical, outcomes-focused delivery, Urban Village Group continues to attract both public and private sector partners committed to creating positive social change.

The company has a pipeline of further specialist care developments planned for 2025–2026 and remains focused on expanding its portfolio to support councils and care providers in meeting the needs of vulnerable young people in need.

Peter Steer, Finance Director at Urban Village Group:

“It’s an incredible honour to receive this recognition. Winning Best Nationwide Specialist Real Estate Developer 2025 is a proud moment for everyone involved in our projects. We’re especially thrilled that Maple House, Birch House, and Fern House have all been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted – a true reflection of the commitment we’ve made to building homes that matter. These are not just properties, they’re places of care, recovery and hope for young people across the UK.”

For further information, please contact:
info@urbanvillagegroup.com or visit one of our social platforms.

Urban Village Group, a leading property development firm, is spearheading sustainable practices in the healthcare space, prioritising environmental, social, and economic considerations.

Recognising the critical role of sustainability in the property and construction market, Urban Village Group is committed to transforming the healthcare industry.

The company follows stringent green building standards such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). These guidelines ensure sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and environmental performance, aligning with Urban Village Group’s dedication to sustainability.

Energy efficiency takes centre stage in the company’s approach, incorporating designs and technologies that optimise energy consumption. This includes the integration of energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and renewable sources like solar panels. Smart building technologies further enhance energy efficiency, benefiting both the company and its stakeholders.

Urban Village Group places a strong emphasis on eco- friendly and sustainable materials in its construction projects. The company carefully considers the environmental impact, durability, and recyclability of materials, promoting the use of recycled or locally sourced options to reduce carbon footprint.

A waste reduction strategy is integral to the construction process, with practices such as recycling construction waste, minimising packaging, and innovative repurposing methods. Sustainable demolition practices are also employed when needed.

Water-efficient technologies and landscaping designs are seamlessly integrated, reducing water consumption across all projects. Rainwater harvesting systems, low- flow fixtures, and landscaping contribute to the company’s commitment to water conservation.

Engaging with local communities is a cornerstone of Urban Village Group’s sustainable approach. The company seeks input from communities to align projects with local values, enhancing the social sustainability of developments.

Urban Village Group remains committed to long-term sustainability, implementing plans for maintenance and monitoring of sustainable features. Regular assessments ensure that properties continue to operate efficiently over time.

Staying at the forefront of sustainable construction, Urban Village Group embraces innovations that improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall sustainability. The company emphasises a holistic approach, considering economic, social, and environmental factors in decision-making processes.

For more information on Urban Village Group’s pioneering efforts in sustainable healthcare development, please visit: www.urbanvillagegroup.com

A £1.2 million major refurbishment of a landmark office building in Birmingham has reached practical completion, joint developers Key Land Capital and Urban Village Capital have announced.

The joint venture partners have invested significantly to deliver a high quality business hub at Trinity Point, Halesowen, Birmingham.

Around 30,000 sq ft of office space has been refurbished. Work also included upgraded toilets and communal areas, a new roof and a replacement lift for the west wing. Some 20,000 sq ft of self-contained office suites is available for rent.

Leading flexible office space provider Citibase has taken a lease on 10,000 sq ft to create a flexible office hub providing space for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups, seeking flexible accommodation. It has already agreed lettings to three occupiers.

Key Land Capital and Urban Village Capital are Birmingham-based investment and development businesses with multi-million pound portfolios of developments across the UK.

Kevin Sharkey, chief executive officer at Key Land Capital, said: “The fantastic new facilities at Trinity Point will help businesses grow, collaborate, and create jobs for people in the area as companies recover from the effects of the pandemic and adapt to the new working environment.”

He added: “It has been exciting to see the transformation of Trinity Point with a comprehensive programme of refurbishment. The office space has been stripped out and brought up to modern standards with new mechanical and electrical systems, LED lighting, complete redecoration, new carpets and upgraded toilets. The new office suites will provide first class business accommodation.

Contact agents Siddall Jones and KWB for more information on the accommodation available.

Trinity Point, conveniently located offering dual carriageway access to junction three of the M5, has benefited from an on-going rolling refurbishment programme since it was acquired by Key Land Capital in 2018. It includes suspended ceilings with LG7 lighting, raised access flooring, air conditioning, two cores providing two passenger lifts. Externally, there is a car park to the front, side, rear and beneath the east and west wings, providing 160 spaces.

Credit: Commercial News Media (www.commercialnewsmedia.com)

Landmark office building – Four Oaks House, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield – has been under construction since February 2020 and despite Covid-19 lockdown has pushed through to complete works as early as next month (November).

Birmingham-based Urban Village Capital is an investment and development business with a multi-million pound portfolio of developments across the UK, led by chief executive Nick Sellman, and construction director Jamie Sellman.

Four Oaks House will comprise a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments over four floors, with an impressive roof terrace and secure car parking, for the private rented sector.

Nick, an experienced property developer with a specific focus on urban regeneration, said: “Jamie and I all grew up in Sutton Coldfield, and still live in the town, so it’s very rewarding to be involved in a project which will bring a fresh lease of life to this building. “The project will deliver the complete transformation of a tired building into a great place for people to work, rest and play. The location is outstanding, being just a stone’s throw from Four Oaks train station, and a short walk to Sutton Park. The many shops, bars, restaurants and community facilities at Mere Green are also nearby.” He added: “We will retain all of the apartments as we continue to grow our portfolio of properties in the private rented sector.”

For information on apartment lettings or sales, call Centrick on 0121 347 6116 or email birmingham@centrick.co.uk.

The six-month redevelopment which has been described as a ‘masterpiece’ is said to ‘breathe new life into the Old Art School’. The demand for luxury apartments in a central location is strong and this standout building on Lichfield Road in Sutton Coldfield, is now full, with a waiting list of prospective tenants keen to snap up one of the 12 luxury apartments.  A joint venture between Urban Village Group and Keyland Capital, the building features stunning interior design and comforts, gaining much attention throughout the Midlands.

The Old Art School is a Georgian-style building constructed in the early 20^th century. It sits within the Anchorage Road Conservation Area. Five two-bedroom and seven one-bedroom high specification apartments have been created over four floors. Character features of the Grade II listed building, next to Bishop Vesey Grammar School and BMet College, have been retained.

Kevin Sharkey, CEO of Keyland Capital said: “The Old Art School really is a wonderful building and we have retained as much of the original character as possible. It has been a real privilege to be able to bring life back to this historic building which was vacant for some time. The development has been an exciting project to work on, which includes 12 luxurious apartments in a fantastic location, walking distance from the train station and town centre.”

Urban Village Group has identified Sutton Coldfield as a key location in its investment and development strategy.