Embargoed until 7.00am on Thursday August 21.

Ref: PRSH15
Date: 21st Aug 2014 

Multi-million pound boost for affordable housing projects

A Stafford-based housing association is set to build dozens of new affordable homes across the area after securing multi-million pound government funding.

A number of planned projects set out by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) have now been given the green light after the Housing and Communities Agency (HCA) agreed to meet up to 20 per cent of the overall costs of the developments.

In total, the HCA will provide £2.24 million towards the cost of building around 110 homes in Friars Terrace and Hesketh Road, Stafford and Hixon. The sites were initially put forward for development thanks to a close working relationship between SARH and Stafford Borough Council.

Chris Poulton, Director of Asset Management and Development at SARH, explained: "To secure the funding we had to set out a very strong case that the schemes we proposed met real housing needs and represented value for money.

"Planning permission also needed to be in place and we had to demonstrate that we were in a position to move forward with the proposals, something we have been able to do with the support of the Borough Council."

As well as providing new homes for local people, the projects are expected to deliver a significant jobs boost for the area, with local builders and tradespeople set to carry out much of the work.

"We will also be sourcing the materials locally and now all the funding is in place these schemes will help to create new jobs while securing many others."

The projects to benefit from the funding include the construction of 43 new homes, at a total cost of £4.6 million, in Friars Terrace. Of these properties, nine will be available under a shared ownership scheme that enables people to get a first foot on the housing ladder at a lower cost than outright purchase.

A further seven homes, including two shared ownership properties, are to be built in Hixon and the grant will also help to cover the £7.5 million cost of redeveloping the housing association's existing homes in Hesketh Road.

"In the case of Friars Terrace and Hesketh Road, the project includes the redevelopment of existing buildings to make way for new homes and we are planning to start work on site next year," Chris said.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive commented: "We are delighted that the HCA has recognised the importance of these schemes and the benefits they will bring to the local community.

"The funding will enable us to push forward with our existing plans whilst enabling us to start planning for the future. This will include looking at new schemes that will help us to meet the future housing needs of Stafford and itssurrounding rural areas whilst strengthening the communities we serve."

Councillor Patrick Farrington, Cabinet Member for Communityat Stafford Borough Council, said: "The awarding of the HCA grant is excellent news for everyone in the area.

"As well as helping to fund much needed housing schemes, the money will find its way back into the community by creating new jobs and making the borough a better place to live and work."

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk