New Homes to meet Village Housing Needs
04/04/2007
Warwickshire Rural Housing Association’s plans for the development have won the backing of planners at Stratford District Council and building is now underway.
“We are delighted that work has started,” explained Councillor Maureen Brindley, chairman of Priors Marston Parish Council, “It has taken five years to get this scheme up and running.
“We have worked very closely with the community to ensure that these new homes blend in with existing properties in the village.
“Housing surveys had demonstrated a need for more affordable homes in Priors Marston. We feel it is vital that people who have grown up in the village should have the chance to stay here if they wish.”
The new development will include a bungalow and a mix of two and three bedroom houses. Occupancy will be restricted to households with a housing need and with a local connection to the village either through current residence, close family or work.
The district council has approved the scheme in accordance with a planning policy which allows affordable housing schemes to be built in smaller villages such as Priors Marston where an unmet housing need has been demonstrated.
Warwickshire Rural Housing Association first started working with the parish council around five years ago when asked to carry out a housing needs survey in the village.
It has since been heavily involved with a consultation exercise, supported by Charles Barlow, the Warwickshire Rural Community Council’s rural housing enabler, in which all residents were encouraged to express their views on the development.
“This scheme is a prime example of how Warwickshire Rural Housing Association works with communities to help meet the housing needs of rural communities,” explains Matthew Dick, chairman of the housing association.
“Rising house prices and the lack of affordable rented accommodation are forcing more and more young people and those on moderate incomes out of the villages where they have grown up or work.
“However, these villages need a mix of people of all ages and backgrounds if they are to remain vibrant and sustainable.”
The new homes will be built by A. C. Lloyd on a site off Southam Road once owned by a Thomas Bradshaw in the 18th century. Mr Bradshaw has already proved to be a village benefactor as the Kay and Bradshaw Education Foundation gives grants to village people under the age of 25 so that they can buy books and equipment linked to their training.
In more recent years, the land has been owned by the Taylor family and during the 1940s it was a smallholding owned by the Smiths.
With an eye to sustainability, the new homes will be energy efficient and are expected to achieve a rating of ‘Very Good’ under the Government’s approved EcoHomes sustainability ratings system.
The scheme should be completed by February 2008.
Note to Editors: Warwickshire Rural Housing Association managing around 400 homes in 29 villages and small towns across the county. The majority of these are let at affordable rents, while a small number have been made available through part rent/part buy shared ownership schemes. The Association works closely with local authorities and parish councils to address the needs of rural communities by developing suitable housing and providing a professional management service for residents.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RELEASE OR WARWICKSHIRE RURAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION CONTACT JULIE HORWOOD ON 01455 614333 OR 0797 3527803.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL CONTACT:
Press Office
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House,
Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 260105
Fax: 01789 260244 www.stratford.gov.uk
Press officer e-mail:
beverley.hemming@stratford-dc.gov.uk