Hightown Housing Association has been given the green light by St Albans City and District Council to build 25 new affordable homes for rent in the Fleetville area of St Albans. The homes will be allocated to those in housing need on the council’s housing register.
St Albans is currently the ninth most expensive place to live in the UK according to Halifax*, with the average property prices up by 8%** since 2019. The new affordable homes will help local people living on lower incomes to remain in the sought-after city location.
The new development will bring a four-storey block of flats to York House, 130 Ashley Road, St Albans. The 25 new homes consist of 16 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom flats, each with a private parking space and some with their own private balcony. The new homes have a communal open space and are conveniently located within walking distance to nearby shops and are ideal for commuters with nearby public transport links.
The plans for the development are in partnership with Glencar Property Ltd and Entex Projects Ltd. Demolition of the former car dealership is planned to begin February 2022, with construction commencing April 2022. The project is expected to complete by summer 2023.
Hightown is the UK’s fastest-growing housing association after building 429 homes last year (6% of total homes), with plans to build over 1,400 homes in the next two years.
Andrew Royall, Development Director for Hightown Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide affordable homes in St Albans, as we know many people struggle to find a suitable home within their budget. We look forward to developing these much-needed homes that will provide long-term, secure housing for local people.”
Source:
*Least affordable Home List
** House price increase
