Severn Valley has agreed a deal with housing association, Aster Group, for the delivery of nearly 300 affordable homes as part of its new 800+ home development in Fiddington, Tewkesbury.

The region recently secured planning permission at the Fiddington site for two phases, starting with ‘Fiddington Fields Phase 1’, which is set to deliver 114 quality new homes for local people.

The 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.

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.

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.

“Given the current challenges faced within the Registered Provider and Construction sector this deal represents a positive outlook on how the sectors can work together to maintain construction output. 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.”

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.

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.

The first properties available to buy on the open market will be available shortly from Persimmon, with the first parcel of affordable rent and shared ownership homes available for Aster’s customers over the next year.

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.”

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."

Persimmon’s Severn Valley Managing Director, Paul Moody, said:

“It was a pleasure to join representatives from the Persimmon business, Aster and Tewkesbury Council on site to mark this significant agreement.

“The Severn Valley business is extremely proud of the contribution we make to local communities and this contract will deliver a vast benefit for local people.

“The masterplan at Fiddington sees a range of quality new homes designed for local people who otherwise might struggle to get onto the housing ladder in Tewkesbury, including a mix of social housing provision.

“Our agreement with Aster is an important staple in that housing offer as we seek to deliver a scheme with substantial benefits for the local community and one which leaves a positive long-term legacy in Fiddington.”

Russell Griffin, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said:

“We’re delighted to have received approval for our development at Fiddington and I want to thank Tewkesbury Borough Council for their support.

“We’re committed to creating vibrant, successful communities and supporting more local families in getting their dream homes.

“We’ll continue to work in partnership with the Council and other stakeholders to ensure our development at Fiddington delivers real benefits for the whole community.”