LAW firm Ward Hadaway has advised on the formation of a strategic partnership between Barratt Homes and Peel Group to develop a series of housing schemes across the North.

Property experts at the Newcastle-based law firm Hadaway advised Newcastle-based Barratt Homes on a framework agreement with Peel which will initially cover 80 acres of land on six sites.

These sites have the potential for more than 1,000 new homes to be built over the next five years with a total end value approaching £200m.

Five of the sites are in the North West and are being handled by Barratt Homes Manchester Division with the remaining site in Yorkshire being managed by Barratt Yorkshire East.

Stephen Hawkins, consultant in the property team at Ward Hadaway, led the firm’s team advising Barratt Homes on the agreement.

He said: “We are delighted to have played our part in helping to bring about this framework agreement.

“It is a really ground-breaking and far-sighted move by Barratt Homes and Peel Group to combine their formidable strengths to boost the supply of new homes across the North.

“As a firm, Ward Hadaway has advised Barratt Homes for many years so we are very pleased to have been able to assist the company in opening an exciting new chapter in its ongoing development.” Neil Goodwin, managing director of Barratt Manchester, said: “The framework agreement established between Barratt and Peel is an innovative partnership.