11 new affordable village homes open on former Shottery Hall grounds

A smart new village development of 11 affordable homes for rent and shared ownership sale has been opened by leading social housing provider Stonewater, in the former grounds of Shottery Hall in Shottery, on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. The homes are being initially offered to local people with a connection to Stratford.

The new £1.5 million Stonewater scheme in Church Lane is part of Spitfire Bespoke Homes' The Cedars development of 32 homes on the northern edge of the village between Church Lane and Alcester Road. The energy-efficient homes include nine one-, two- and three- bedroom houses for affordable rent, and one two-bedroom and one three-bedroom house for shared ownership, priced at £102,600 and £117,800 respectively, for a 40% share. Each property has a private garden and designated parking.

“The high cost of good-quality housing in the Stratford area is making it increasingly difficult for many local people, particularly young families and key workers, to find affordable housing close to their families, friends and place of work," says David Blower, Stonewater's Executive Director for Corporate Services. “We hope that these new affordable homes in Church Lane will help meet this housing need and give local people an opportunity to have a quality home at a price they can afford, in a great location."

Stonewater has been working closely with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Spitfire Bespoke Homes to deliver the affordable housing community with construction getting under way last summer. The energy-efficient homes sit within a conservation area close to Anne Hathaway's cottage, the historic childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife, and have been sensitively designed in keeping with local surroundings.  

Councillor Stephen Thirlwell, Deputy Leader of the Council, comments: “The District Council's core strategy has highlighted the need for affordable housing. The development of the former Shottery Hall grounds is a welcome addition in helping to achieve this need and has also demonstrated how well both the private and public sector can work together to create such a pleasing development."

The new Stonewater housing community is within close walking distance of village shops, services and schools, with a new public footpath providing easy access to Alcester Road, Stratford train station and the town centre.