SSHA has begun work on 14 new properties, which will provide affordable housing to local people and enable those otherwise priced out of the expensive housing market to continue to live in the area in which they grew up. To ensure these homes benefit the community for the future, they are only available for local people to rent or part-buy.
One couple hoping to move onto the development is Stacey Cartwright and her partner Lee Marsh who are looking for their first home together and are desperate to stay in the village. Stacey explains: “I’ve lived in the area all my life and in Swindon village for six years. We want to stay here to be close to our family and friends but house prices are so high in the area that first time buyers like us are priced out of the market. There are very few affordable homes in the village and we were therefore really excited to hear that SSHA has announced the development on Himley Road. We are extremely eager to take advantage of the shared ownership scheme, which will enable us to get on the property ladder without leaving our local community.”
The homes are being built following consultation with the local community, which revealed that affordable housing was needed. However, SSHA was keen to design the homes in-keeping with the beautiful rural village so the architect worked with the local authority’s conservation officer to take design inspiration from local buildings. For example, the two-bedroomed houses have been modelled on traditional local barn conversions, and a pair of semi-detached houses on the façade of the village pub.
Ursula Bennion, director of business development at SSHA comments: “House prices in South Staffordshire are on average eight times the average income, so many young people are finding themselves in Stacey and Lee’s position. We undertook extensive local needs surveys to establish what the local community needs in terms of housing and are confident that these homes will be snapped up. We are really keen to get the much needed homes built and are excited to have started on site.”
SSHA is working with ROK Building Limited to build 14 properties on Himley Road, 2 of which will be adapted for disabled residents. 10 will be rental properties, leaving 4 for sale as part of a shared ownership scheme.
For further information about SSHA or the Himley Road, Swindon development visit www.ssha.co.uk or call 01785 312000.
