The scheme for Great Places Housing Group comprises three narrow linear brownfield sites forming the boundary to a 70's housing estate in Knutsford, backing onto protected Ancient Woodland. Comprising 42 apartments and 14 houses for sale and rent, it is the largest local development in over 30 years. The design challenge was to find viable but sensitive contemporary solutions within constrained site boundaries and respond to local concerns about views of and access to woodland. The footprint follows the former line of demolished deck access flats, but opens up woodland views at key intervals. The building orientation allows active frontages and natural surveillance, whilst private gardens and balconies overlook woodland and landscaped areas. The scheme achieved EcoHomes 'Very Good'. Following recognition in 2009 at local level in the MSA Awards and LABC Built in Quality Awards in Cheshire, The Ridge was shortlisted in the Completed Schemes category of the national Housing Design Awards. It then received a Commendation in the Affordable Housing Development category at the national Mail on Sunday British Home Awards.