Scholar’s Chase

Location
Inskip
Client
Progress Housing
Contract Value
c.£3m.
People

The Brief

Scholar’s Chase is a £3m development of 30 private homes in Inskip, Lancashire, delivered for Concert Homes. Built on previously undeveloped fields, the scheme provides a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses and bungalows, bringing greater housing choice to the growing village.

The development combines traditional external character with contemporary interiors and energy-efficient design. Homes fronting Preston Road establish a connection with the existing streetscape, while green spaces soften the approach to the village.

Variety by design

A mix of houses and bungalows to complement all life-stages

Our Role

BTP acted as Architect, designing and helping deliver a varied residential development that responds to its village setting and Concert Homes’ ambitions for desirable, marketable homes.

We developed the housing mix, layout and architectural proposals, considering how different house types could work together to create interest within the development and along Preston Road. Our approach balanced the character of the wider neighbourhood with practical layouts for modern living.

Village character in a rural setting

Traditional forms and materials draw on the local vernacular, helping Scholar’s Chase feel part of Inskip. Homes fronting Preston Road connect with the existing streetscape, while green spaces soften the transition to the surrounding countryside.

Design Development

Developing a former field site meant considering how the new homes would become part of the village. We arranged frontage buildings along Preston Road to give the scheme a clear relationship with the existing street, using green spaces to soften its edge and retain a landscaped approach to Inskip.

A diverse housing mix was central to the design. Combining houses and bungalows with two to five bedrooms provided options for different households, while bringing variety to the scale and appearance of the development.

The homes share a traditional external character, paired with more contemporary spaces inside. Open-plan living areas connect cooking, dining and family activities, supported by modern fitted kitchens and well-appointed bathrooms. Early buyers could personalise finishes, including kitchen units, worktops and tiles.

Sustainable design

Efficient homes for everyday living.

Insulation and efficient heating systems help reduce energy demand at Scholar’s Chase. HIVE smart controls give residents greater control over their heating, while electric vehicle charging points support the move to lower-emission travel.

Outcomes

Scholar’s Chase has delivered 30 new homes for Inskip, broadening local housing choice through a mix of houses and bungalows suited to different household sizes and stages of life.

The varied house types, landscaped spaces and frontage onto Preston Road help integrate the development into its village setting. Strong early demand saw most homes sell off-plan within the first month, reflecting the appeal of the accommodation and Concert Homes’ offer.

The completed scheme brings together traditional character, contemporary interiors and energy-efficient features to create a new residential setting within an established Lancashire community.

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Director
Manuel Atkinson

BA (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA, Dip.DEA

Director
Manuel Atkinson

BA (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA, Dip.DEA

I joined BTP in 2008, qualified as an Architect in 2013, and progressed to Director in 2017. Over my career, I’ve built extensive expertise across the full range of design criteria for housing, later living, and care environments, including HQI, DQS, Lifetime Homes, HAPPI, NDSS, and Building Regulations accessibility standards.

Sustainability is a core part of my professional focus. I am an accredited Energy Assessor for both new-build and existing homes (OCDEA / DEA) as well as a certified Home Quality Mark Assessor and PAS2035 Retrofit Designer / Assessor. Within BTP, I lead many of our sustainability initiatives; developing strategies to help clients realise their ambitions, meet zero-carbon targets, and align with the Future Homes Standard.

Since 2013, I have also played a key role in enhancing BTP’s BIM (Building Information Modelling) capability. I have achieved multiple BRE qualifications, including ISO 19650 accreditation, enabling me to manage BIM processes and workflows effectively across our projects.

In 2024, I joined the RIBA Principal Designer Register, gaining Principal Designer status with High‑Risk Building (HRB) expertise for both CDM and Building Regulations following rigorous training and examination. I now act as Building Regulations Principal Designer across a range of new‑build and refurbishment schemes, providing trusted guidance to clients and development teams.

My advanced knowledge of BIM, sustainability, and the Building Safety Act also sees me deliver regular training, CPD sessions, and workshops for Registered Providers and contractors.
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Architectural Assistant
Dominic Rhodes

BA(Hons)
Architectural Assistant
Dominic Rhodes

BA(Hons)

I joined BTP in September 2024 having graduating from the University of Huddersfield. My previous work with a conservation contractor gave me practical experience on site, including traditional lime mortar repairs at Little Moreton Hall.

Since joining BTP, I’ve worked on projects ranging from new-build housing to a major re-roofing scheme at the Grade II-listed Bootle Town Hall. I’m continuing to build my experience while studying part-time for my master’s degree at the University of Lincoln.

Outside of the office, I enjoy going to the gym, playing golf and padel, as well as listening to vinyls from my ever-growing collection.