Crest Nicholson is planning a major expansion in Yorkshire after buying Harrogate house builder C E Cowen (Builders) for £5.9 million.John Callcutt, chief executive of the Surrey contractor, said Crest planned to build up a business selling 400-500 homes in Yorkshire over coming years.He said Yorkshire had a good economy with a growing commercial centre at Leeds and a high level of new housing demand.Crest is paying £3 million cash for family-owned C E Cowen (Builders), and is also taking on £2.9 million of company debts. The new company will trade as Crest Homes (Northern). CONSTRUCTION NEWS