Planning issues and interest rates hit housebuilder

AN independent housebuilder that fell into the red in 2024 has blamed the “broken planning system” and high interest rates deterring first-time buyers.

- JON ROBINSON

Cheshire-based Eccleston Homes reported a pretax loss of £1.2 million for the 12 months to October 31, 2024 - down from the £2m profit it posted in the previous year.

Accounts newly filed with Companies House reveal its turnover also fell during the same period from £31.1m to £22.2m.

Owned by Kevin Marren and operating in the North West of England, Eccleston Homes legally completed 68 houses in the year, down from 87.