05/05/10 - Thomas Vale Completes New Homes in Clifton upon Teme

The rural development, built by Thomas vale Construction and West Mercia Housing Group at a cost of £1.628 million, includes eight homes for rent and six for part-rent/part-buy in a shared ownership scheme.

Glen Schofield, Housing Director at Thomas Vale Construction comments: “We have enjoyed working closely with our partners at West Mercia Housing Group on this innovative housing project and hope the tenants will be very happy here.”

More than 300 people put in applications for the homes, which have been designed to allow residents with close connections to the area the opportunity to continue to live nearby, the homes also feature a range of energy-saving features.

The lucky residents who were allocated the new homes came together to receive their keys from staff at Nexus Housing – part of West Mercia Housing Group – and meet their new neighbours on the same day.

Rachel Woolley, mother of the youngest new tenant, Ethan, aged three months, said: “It was unusual for everyone to move in at the same time but really nice as we got to meet our new neighbours from the outset.

“We are a mix of ages and come from different backgrounds, which I think brings a better sense of community to the area.

“The standard of the properties and attention to detail is also impressive. Nexus Housing has added some lovely environmentally-friendly touches such as bird tables and water butts which suit the surroundings well.”

Jason MacGilp, executive director at West Mercia Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the completion of this development and wish our residents every happiness in their new homes.

“This scheme is just one example of how we are committed to meeting people’s needs, such as developing homes in rural areas so that particularly young people and families who cannot afford high-cost properties can stay close to their friends and relatives.”

The development was funded by a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency, gained through West Mercia Housing Group’s membership of Spectrum Development Partnership.