Highest ever number of affordable homes built in Stratford-on-Avon District last year

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is delighted to report the successful completion of a record-breaking number of new affordable homes last year.

These new homes make a vital contribution to the well-being of local residents who find themselves priced out of home ownership and private renting, or who simply cannot find the right type of home to meet their needs.

Every year, the Council reviews the number and type of homes built in the district. During the course of last year (the financial year ending on 31 March 2018), a total of 377 new affordable homes were built which is the highest-ever recorded annual total. Nearly all the homes were built by the District Council's partner housing associations, and almost three-quarters of the homes were for rent.  

Celebrating this achievement, Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Last year's record achievement is a reflection of the District Council's long-standing commitment to providing more affordable homes for local people and our local communities.  Our District is a great place in which to live and work. But, sadly, the reality for many people is that they're priced out of the local housing market: to the detriment of our local economy and our local communities. To tackle this, the District Council has been working hard with its partners over many years to get the homes we desperately need built and last year's figure is also a reflection of the good working relationships we've built with our partners.  Despite a substantial reduction in funding available at national level, as well as other changes, the fact that we were able not only increase the overall number of new homes built last year but also maintain their quality is of great importance to the District Council."  

Cllr Daren Pemberton, the District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for affordable homes added: "Building new affordable homes aren't just about 'numbers'. It's also about ensuring the right type of homes are built in the right places and that they are of good quality and genuinely affordable to those that need them.  Not only that, but also ensuring we get the support of our local communities that host those new homes. All this has been a challenge, but - as last year's results clearly show - we can deliver."  

Highlights of last year's affordable housing development programme include:

Schemes built in Alcester, Alderminster, Bidford-on-Avon, Broom, Gaydon, Harbury, Long Itchington, Lower Quinton, Meon Vale, Napton, Newbold-on-Stour, Salford Priors, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Stockton, Stratford-upon-Avon and Wellesbourne.

The completion of a community-led rural 'Local Choice' housing scheme in Broom (Bidford-on-Avon parish), using grant funding provided by the District Council.   

The completion of three housing schemes for people with learning and/or physical disabilities at Alcester, Shipston-on-Stour and Stratford-upon-Avon.   
50 bungalows and flats in a scheme specially designed for older people and where care can be offered, at Ettington Court, Wellesbourne.  This scheme is due to officially open later this year.