New affordable homes to be delivered in Herefordshire village

Social housing provider Stonewater has purchased land for a new £13m development in a village close to Hereford, with plans to deliver 90 affordable homes.

The development will consist of 58 new homes for affordable rent, with a mix of one, two, three and four-bedrooms, and 32 two and three-bedroom houses for shared ownership.

Herefordshire County Council said that this development will help to tackle the shortage of affordable housing in rural communities, where people are currently struggling to pay rent or buy due to price increases.

Cllr Ange Tyler, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for housing, regulatory services and community safety, said: ‘These affordable homes will make it possible for local people and young families to remain in their community and close to their families.

‘We are keen to continue to work alongside Stonewater to help deliver the council’s aims of building genuinely affordable homes across Herefordshire.’

The development will be situated off Madley Road, Clehonger, featuring a large open public space and the renewal of an existing orchard for residents, as well as space for shrub planting, a wildflower meadow and a natural play area.

Matt Crucefix, director of development (South and West) at Stonewater, said: ‘Our aim is to ensure there’s plenty of green space for the whole community to enjoy, along with attractive open spaces and a rejuvenated orchard, designed to breathe new life into the local area.

‘We look forward to working with our chosen construction partner to provide a range of houses not just for rent but also for shared ownership, enabling individuals and families struggling to get on the property ladder to realise their dream of owning their own home.’

The scheme is supported by £3.7m Homes England funding, and is part of Stonewater’s wider plans to deliver at least 1,500 new homes a year from 2022.

In related news, Tower Hamlets Council has given the green light to an affordable housing scheme at Stroudley Walk in Poplar.

Photo by Tom Thain