New residents and families are celebrating settling into a new development of affordable homes in Wilmslow, one of the most expensive postcodes in the country.
Weaver Vale Housing Trust has completed on 52 affordable rent and shared ownership homes on the David Wilson Stanneylands development in the picturesque neighbourhood of Little Stanneylands on the edge of Wilmslow.
The homes are part of the housing association’s commitment to provide much needed affordable homes throughout Cheshire. The organisation says it is vital that desirable areas like Wilmslow don’t price out everyone but the wealthiest people.
Of the 52 high-specification flats and houses, 34 are affordable rent, meaning they are available for less than the average rental prices in the area and 18 are shared ownership homes. The shared ownership scheme enables aspiring homeowners to purchase a percentage of equity with a mortgage and pay rent on the remainder.
The homes are part of a wider David Wilson Homes scheme of 172 homes.
Wayne Gales, Chief Executive at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “It’s understandable that Wilmslow’s great transport links, access to beautiful countryside, and great schools make it a property hotspot. But there must be homes available at different affordability levels. There is a huge shortage of affordable options in Wilmslow, so we are delighted to have made positive progress on this with these lovely new homes.
“It’s been fantastic to see people move in and we look forward to this neighbourhood becoming a thriving community.”
The homes, which are a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties, are nestled close to fields and woodland on the edge of Wilmslow with easy access to nearby Handforth. They are served well by shops, with a supermarket less than a mile away and highly rated primary and secondary schools.
Rachel*, who works at a local school, moved into one of the affordable homes at the end of 2023, with her young son. Rachel said: “Last year, I was in a desperate situation having been made homeless when my relationship ended.
“I came across Stanneylands around that time and put a bid in for one of the affordable housing properties. I couldn’t believe it when my housing officer called to say I’d been successful. We moved into the home late last year and we’ve not looked back!
“There is such a lovely community feel here and my son is loving making friends with all the other children on the estate.
“There are speed bumps on the roads so no one drives fast, and the children are safe to play out together and enjoy the park nearby.
“I’m so grateful to have found Stanneylands. We’ve turned the house into a home, and I can’t wait to make lasting memories here with my son.”
Tatton MP Esther McVey commented: “I am delighted these homes are now complete and I look forward to visiting the site. It is so important that people have the chance to get on the property ladder should they wish to or be able to access affordable rents in an area of their choosing. I know from talking to families many young people can feel priced out of the area they grew up and I do not want to see this happen. Projects like these are really important and I am very pleased Wilmslow is benefitting.”
The shared ownership homes are marketed under Prospa Homes, part of the Weaver Vale Housing Trust family. It aims to enable more people onto the property ladder in Cheshire and Warrington.
*The tenant’s name has been changed to protect their identity.
Header image: Jo Fallon, Development Consultant and Wayne Gales CEO of Weaver Vale Housing Trust pictured with Esther McVey MP on a previous site tour.
