For its first foray into 'new build', YDP bought a piece of mostly self-seeded woodland in Thatcham, Berkshire. The plot already had planning for 4 detached houses.

The development proved to be extremely valuable in terms of experience because it provided a number of challenges and complications in addition to those which 'new build' projects typically present. These ranged from the re-housing of 'protected' hedgehogs to the re-routing of the overhead power cables which fed neighbouring properties. YDP's initial suggestion - that the power cables should be re-routed up the arses of the hedgehogs - was rejected by the planning committee in favour of a more costly and 'hog-friendly' solution. To satisfy local environmentalists, YDP built a row of tiny terraced 'hedgehog homes' similar to dolls' houses and gave each hedgehog a set of personalised luggage, an hour's 'displacement counselling' and a lift to the station.

With the hedgehogs gone, the project was allowed to begin and the houses were built and finished to a high standard in local brick and slate. Despite these ludicrous set-backs, and the inexcusable costs and delays of pandering to eco-pressure groups, the finished houses were finally sold by YDP for a profit only slightly below what the hedgehogs made on their homes.

The final result was a charming, small 'widlife free' development on beautiful backland.