New Homes for Essington

An area of vacant land in a Staffordshire village is making way for new affordable rented homes for older residents, thanks to South Staffordshire Housing Association, the Bushbury Trust and Essington Parish Council.

The first bricks of the new development were laid by Councillor David Clifft in Hill Street, Essington this week.

The six two-bedroom bungalows are due to be completed next spring.

District and Parish Councillor David Clifft, Chairman of Essington Parish Council, and a Trustee of Bushbury Trust the former land owners on which the development is built, said:

“This development is much needed in Essington. It may release much needed two or three bedroom housing that some residents may be living in which are too big for them now.”

Councillor Clifft, added: “Essington Parish Council, have been very supportive of this development and have worked alongside the Housing Association to bring it to fruition.”

Councillor Mrs June Smallman, who is also a Bushbury Trustee, said: “I am very happy to see the land being used in this way. The development will vastly improve the area and the bungalows will benefit many people living in Essington in future years.”

The project is costing a total cost of £599,090 and is being supported by a grant from the Government-funded Housing Corporation.

"We are delighted to be able to provide more affordable rented housing in Essington," said Sue Rowley, managing director for the housing association.

"This scheme demonstrates how South Staffordshire Housing Association works with communities and their representatives to deal with issues which are causing problems locally as well as developing much needed new homes for local people. These homes will be let using a local connection criteria in agreement with the local authority."

(Released 2nd October 2007)

New Family Homes in Reach Thanks to Huntington Scheme

Couples and families struggling to get onto the property ladder in Staffordshire are being urged to visit a new development to see the type of home they could afford through the latest HomeBuy scheme.

South Staffordshire Housing Association will be offering 66 homes at Littleton Green, Huntington, near Cannock, for shared ownership, with a further 28 for rent.

Last week council representatives and housing association board members visited the development to officially open the three-bedroom show house in Cowslip Close. Chair of South Staffordshire Council Councillor Pat Griffin performed the honours.

The new homes are being developed as part of a wider project over the next three years on the site of the former Huntington colliery, and are helping to breathe new life into the area.

South Staffordshire Housing Association, based in Acton Gate, near Stafford, is managing the affordable homes on the site and has worked closely with the developer, Miller Homes, and South Staffordshire Council to ensure that these particular properties will remain affordable in the future.

Ursula Bennion, group director of business development for South Staffordshire Housing Association, said: “The gulf between income and house prices is larger than ever, making it even harder for people to get onto the property ladder.

“As a housing provider, it is essential that we deliver homes that people can afford in areas where they want to live.

“This development at Littleton Green is doing just that, as well as helping to regenerate the area. The homes are finished to a high specification but, being offered as shared ownership purchases, are within reach of many more people than if they were for sale on the open market.

“In particular, people with strong local links need not now be forced out of the area where they grew up because they cannot afford the normal house prices.

“The project is a real demonstration of successfully building sustainable, integrated communities in partnership with a private developer and the local authority, South Staffordshire Council.”

Features of the homes include a pearwood kitchen finish, Zanussi appliances and A-rated, energy-efficient central heating.

Prices start from £82,500 – based on a 50 per cent purchase – for a three-bedroom house.

HomeBuy is a scheme where people can buy a share of a property and pay a subsidized rent on the rest. As they become more financially confident, they can increase the share they own in the property.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Jayman Estate Agent on 01543 505566 who are handling the sales for South Staffordshire Housing Association.

(Released 19th October 2007.)

Littleton Green Sales Details

Retired Headteacher Joins Housing Association Board

A former Sandwell headteacher has joined the board of management of South Staffordshire Housing Association.

As well as being a headteacher at Rowley Hall Primary School in Sandwell for more than 10 years, Carol Hurley, from Wombourne, has gained extensive local experience as a non-executive director with South Western Staffordshire Primary Care Trust. She also is a volunteer with South Staffordshire Community and Voluntary Action.

“Having spent more than 30 years in education and over four years in the health service, I welcome the opportunity to continue with this kind of role,” said Carol.

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to use my wide range of skills and experience as part of the Board of South Staffordshire Housing Association, which I believe plays a vital role in the life of the community. I look forward to playing a part in its future development and growth.”

South Staffordshire Housing Association is one of the area’s largest landlords, managing more than 5,300 properties.

Dr. Mary Griffiths, chair of the association, said: “We are delighted Carol has joined our board. She brings such a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the association.

“Our board benefits from having a combination of residents, local councillors and independent members. This wide range of skills and experience helps to guide and develop our organisation to meet the challenges of providing more affordable housing and improving services in our area."

(Released 30th October 2007)