Shropshire one of the best performing local authorities in the country for rural exception sites for affordable housing
As we celebrate Rural Housing Week (1 – 5 July 2024) Shropshire Council celebrates another great year of delivering new homes for local people.
Image credit: Shropshire Towns and Rural (STAR) housing
The council’s housing enabling team is proud to announce that it has completed 337 new affordable homes across the county in the financial year 2023/24.
Out of the 337 new homes, 167 were located in rural areas, making Shropshire one of the best performing local authorities in the country for rural exception sites. These are sites that would not normally receive planning permission for open market housing, but can be developed for affordable housing if there is evidence of local need.
This achievement reflects the council’s commitment to providing a range of housing options for its residents, especially in rural areas where the need is often high and the supply is low.
Examples of rural schemes
- Penybryn Avenue, Whittington: a community-led scheme for 24 houses and bungalows for rent and shared ownership. This project involved a group of local residents and parish councillors working with the council and Shropshire Towns and Rural (STAR) Housing to design and deliver homes that meet the needs and aspirations of the village. For more information, Celebrating Rural Housing Week – Day 1: Development (starhousing.org.uk)
- Parry Close, Baschurch: a rural exception site for 20 new homes for rent and low-cost shared ownership, provided by Housing Plus Group. These homes feature a range of energy-efficient and eco-friendly features, such as solar panels, electric charging points, and wildlife-friendly measures. For more information, Providing affordable homes in rural areas of Staffordshire and Shropshire – Housing Plus Group
Urban housing also a priority
The council also recognises the need for affordable housing in urban areas, especially in Shrewsbury, where the demand is high and the land is scarce. Some of the recent schemes that have been completed in the town include:
- Richmond House, Shrewsbury: 12 new homes and bungalows for rent and low-cost home ownership, and an adapted bungalow, built and managed by STAR Housing.
- The Coppice (phase 2), Bicton: a 54 home older persons scheme, including 28 extra care apartments and 26 supported living bungalows, built and managed by Wrekin Housing Group. These homes offer independent living with on-site care and support, enabling people to stay in their own homes for longer. Find out more here: First glimpse of multi-million pound retirement apartments | The Wrekin Housing Group
Jane Trethewey, Assistant Director for Homes and Communities at Shropshire Council said:
“As part of the national Rural Housing Week, we wanted to highlight some of the successful schemes that Shropshire has seen delivered in partnership with local communities, housing associations, and developers.
“We are delighted with the results of the last year and look forward to continuing our work with partners and communities to deliver more affordable homes in the future.
“We believe that everyone in Shropshire deserves a home that meets their needs and supports their wellbeing, and that affordable housing is key to achieving this goal.
“Our housing strategy sets out our commitment to developing more affordable homes across Shrosphire, especially in rural areas where there is high demand. We are working closely with housing associations, developers, landowners and communities to identify suitable sites and deliver high-quality homes that meet local needs and aspirations.”
For more information about affordable housing in Shropshire visit. Affordable housing | Shropshire Council
