Housing association steps in to save six affordable homes in Sheepwash

Hastoe Housing Association has announced a successful intervention to preserve six rural affordable homes from market sale. 

Originally constructed by Stevens Homes Ltd as part of a larger development intended for market sale, these homes were initially earmarked for affordable housing during the planning stage.

However, due to adverse market conditions, the original housing association slated to manage these homes under a Section 106 agreement could not proceed. 

In response, Hastoe stepped in to ensure the homes remained available for the local community in the rural village of Sheepwash.

The initiative will now provide four much-needed homes for social rent and two for shared ownership.

The completed homes were officially handed over to Hastoe on Tuesday, July 2, during Rural Housing Week (1-5 July). 

Each home is equipped with solar panels to help reduce energy costs and will have access to a shared children’s play park on the site. 

Residents are expected to move in later this month.

Mike Bailey, Director of Stevens Homes Ltd, said: “Stevens Homes are delighted to work together with Hastoe to deliver these six affordable homes on our development at Sheepwash and are sure that the new occupiers will enjoy their new homes in this peaceful rural environment.”

Ulrike Maccariello, Hastoe’s Development Director, said: “Rural affordable housing allows local people to stay in their communities, where they grew up and can be close to family and friends. All too often local people are priced out of rural areas that are seen as highly-desirable places to live. Hastoe is thrilled to be able to ensure these homes will be lived in by local people who are in real need of housing in the area.”