An innovative development of factory-built affordable housing has been officially opened in Gloucestershire.
Regional housing association Bromford has this month started welcoming customers into their new homes at its Stockwells development in Moreton-in-Marsh. The 28 new homes were built in modules offsite before being transported to the Cotswold village and craned into place and are the most energy-efficient homes the housing association has ever built. All the homes are carbon zero and boast EPC-A energy ratings thanks to the solar panels, batteries and air source heat pumps installed in every home. The energy efficiency features have been part-funded by Cotswold District Council, which provided £550,000 towards the project, to make them some of the most energy-efficient homes every built in the district.
Bromford’s Regeneration Project Manager Millie Nicholls said: “We’re incredibly proud of the new homes we have built at Stockwells, which utilise some of the latest technology to keep them warmer for longer while also reducing our customer’s energy bills, making them the most energy-efficient homes we have ever built.”
The 28 new homes have replaced 24 older properties that used to be on the site. The previous properties were built in the post-war period as a quick solution to the housing shortage at the time, but their condition had deteriorated over decades since their construction. Work started on site to demolish the properties in June 2022, before the new homes were craned into place in spring 2023.
Millie added: “It’s five years since we announced our plans to regenerate the former non-traditional properties on this site so it’s wonderful to now see these amazing new homes that we’ve built to replace them. We have already let all of the homes and have begun welcoming customers into their new homes where we wish them many years of happiness.”
The site was officially opened by Cotswold District Councillors Juliet Lawton, Angus Jenkinson and Mike Evemy.
Cllr Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, commented: “We are thrilled to celebrate the official opening of the Stockwells affordable housing site in Moreton-in-Marsh. This development not only addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in our district but also enriches the fabric of our communities. Providing sustainable and affordable homes for our residents is a top priority, and Stockwells represents a significant step forward in achieving this goal. I would like to thank our partners Bromford for their hard work.”
Cllr Joe Harris, Leader of Cotswold District Council, added: “It was quite something to see these homes delivered to the site on lorries and impressive how quickly they went up. The energy efficiency of the properties at Stockwells will help to reduce carbon emissions and lower utility costs for residents. We believe that by incorporating renewable energy sources and innovative technologies, we can not only combat climate change but also improve the quality of life for our residents.”
