300 new affordable homes coming to Tewkesbury

Aster Group has agreed a deal with Persimmon Homes for the delivery of nearly 300 affordable homes as part of a new 800+ home development in Fiddington, Tewkesbury.

The 298 affordable homes will be delivered in phases. The first phase will comprise 39 homes, including 24 for affordable rent and 15 for purchase through the shared ownership scheme. These homes will be available over the next year.

Phase two, which received reserved matters planning permission from Tewkesbury Borough Council at the end of February, will see 73 affordable homes delivered. Of these, 44 will be for affordable rent and 29 for shared ownership. The remaining 186 affordable homes will be delivered in further phases to be determined.

The shared ownership homes in all phases will be available specifically for people with a local connection to Tewkesbury.

The homes will include a mix of apartments and house types, helping to meet local housing needs. Millions of pounds will also be pledged to support infrastructure delivery and ensure economic development.

Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Persimmon to deliver a fantastic new mix of much-needed affordable homes for the community of Tewkesbury. Whether looking to rent or purchase through the shared ownership scheme, these new homes will cater to a range of people enabling them to live in an area they love, close to family and friends.”

The masterplan for the new development in Fiddington seeks to create a network of open spaces and green corridors permeating through the new development, linking existing features and surrounding areas of open space and countryside. This includes hedgerows, trees, grassland, street trees (using Sustainable Urban Tree Planting Systems), existing ponds, balancing ponds, sports pitches, natural play areas, community allotments, footpaths and cycle ways.

Commenting on the agreement, Persimmon’s Group director of partnership homes, Paul Rodgers, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Aster and Tewkesbury Council at Persimmon’s new site at Fiddington.

“As a business, Persimmon recognises the important part we play in developing much needed homes and communities across the UK, creating social value for our local areas. The agreement with Aster at this site is very exciting, helping towards meeting the local housing need for people in Tewkesbury.

“Not only will the development deliver quality new homes, it will also create 80 local jobs as part of the construction, and generate a significant investment in the local economy. This will be hugely positive for the local community, and this has only been possible due to the positive working relationships between all partners. We look forward to continuing to work productively with Aster and Tewkesbury in the years ahead to deliver these new homes.”

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s lead member for housing, Gill Blackwell, said: "This is wonderful news for the local community as it will help to meet the need for affordable housing in the Tewkesbury area, enabling local people to take that all-important first step onto the housing ladder.

"I'm particularly pleased with the inspired vision for the development, with its open spaces and imaginative landscaping, which will make it an extremely attractive community in which to live. 

"We have had an excellent working relationship with both Persimmon and Aster Group, and I look forward to continuing our partnership as the Fiddington development progresses."