Official opening for new development
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A new development of 36 properties in Leominster, built by The Wrekin Housing Trust, has been officially opened by Councillor Brian Wilcox, Chairman of Herefordshire Council.
The development, located on Laundry Lane which can be accessed from St Botolphs Green, consists of flats and houses for shared ownership, affordable rent and market rent, and the new estate has helped contribute to the supply of affordable housing in the area.
Among the new residents is Rachel Mellings, who, thanks to the shared housing scheme, has been able to buy her first property and get on the housing ladder.
She said: “This is a brilliant scheme that really helps first time buyers. The process of buying my home was made especially easy and stress-free thanks to Charlotte Hayward Prince and everyone else at The Wrekin Housing Trust.
“I am overjoyed with my new home, the standard of the finishing touches, such as the tiles and carpet, are excellent. Everything was thoroughly thought through and I would highly recommend the shared ownership scheme and The Wrekin Housing Trust to everyone. I look forward to spending many years in my new home.”
David Garratt, Development Manager, at The Wrekin Housing Trust said: “We really appreciate Councillor Wilcox taking time out of his busy schedule to formally open the site.
“Initial work on this project goes back to 2013 so it’s great to see the estate finally completed. Also, now that all the properties are occupied a real sense of community has been created.”
Councillor Wilcox added: “I was delighted to formally open this development, which not only provides much needed housing for local people, but the development itself has already made a positive contribution to the local economy. The economic impact of the entire development includes £8.5 million into the wider economy and 83 jobs including four apprenticeships.”
As with many other parts of Herefordshire, there is a general lack of affordable housing in the county with not enough homes being built annually. According to the most recent figure available, compiled by the National Housing Federation, 2,029 too few homes were built Herefordshire during the five-year period between 2011 and 2015.
The National Housing Federation also reports that the average house price in the county is £234,271, but the mean annual income is £23,135. The income required for an 80% mortgage is £53,548. Additionally, the mean monthly rent for a property in Herefordshire in the private sector is £597. This means many people are being priced out of home ownership or finding a good quality home for an affordable rent.
6th December 2017