Cala Homes appoints new managing director at Chiltern

Cala Homes has appointed Alex Richards as managing director for the Chiltern region, succeeding John Allan, who has retired.

In his new role, Alex will lead the delivery of the region’s strategic growth plan, overseeing its progression and development of a pipeline of sites across Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, and the West Midlands.

Alex is experienced in the industry, joining Cala from Taylor Wimpey, where he served as managing director of its South Thames and North Thames businesses. Alex began his career in site management, giving him operational perspective, he then progressed to senior leadership roles at housebuilders such as Kier Homes, and David Wilson Homes.

Progress for the Chiltern team

Cala’s Chiltern business will have nine live developments by the end of 2026, with new launches at:

• Edmund Park in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire( 135 homes)
• Bliss Willows in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire( 86 homes)
• Millstone Green, Fairford (98 homes)

The Chiltern team has a strong reckon in delivering planning outcomes, with 812 new homes consented in 2025. That year, Reserved Matters consent was secured for over 200 new homes across two sites in St Albans, as well as a 98-home development in the Cotswolds

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Alex Richards said: “Following a string of successful applications across Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, we’re looking to continue the momentum in 2026.

“Our dedicated land and planning team is actively seeking short-term and strategic land opportunities, with or without planning permission, as we play our part in meeting the need for more quality homes in our region.

“Cala has an excellent reputation for design, quality, and customer service, and I look forward to working with our talented team to build on the strong foundations already in place and drive the next phase of growth for the business.”