Work resumes on £4m housing development for 'local people' after 10-month delay
A housing group has confirmed that work has resumed on a £4 million project to build 27 new homes.
Work on the Whitchurch Road development in Prees ground to a halt in June 2022 when the building contractor, Hawk Developments Ltd, went into administration.
This situation meant a new building firm was needed to complete the work.
Shropshire-based Morris Property successfully tendered for the completion of the development, which is a partnership between local residents, The Wrekin Housing Group (WHG), Shropshire Council and Press Parish Council.
WHG said that Shropshire currently has a shortage of affordable housing, largely due to the widening gap between average household incomes and average property prices in the county.
To help tackle the issue Shropshire Council set up the 'Right Home, Right Place' initiative, which runs surveys in each parish to identify and address the housing needs of its residents.
A project board made up of local residents and volunteers, members of Prees Parish Council, Shropshire Council and The Wrekin Housing Group, was created to oversee the project from start to finish.
The development offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses and bungalows that will be available for affordable rent and shared ownership.
Wrekin Housing Group said all of the new homes will be prioritised for those with a connection to the area, ensuring the homes are available to local people.
The development is due to be completed in 2024.
Charlotte Prince, Development Manager at The Wrekin Housing Group said: “The pause of the development was obviously extremely frustrating for everyone involved. However, it is great to have a local developer like Morris Property on board. The company have a strong track-record when it comes to building good quality homes and we’re delighted that work has now restarted back on site.
“I would like to thank all partners: particularly the local residents who have been so understanding during this unforeseen delay.”
Ian Henderson, a Prees resident and member of the project board, said: “We’re thrilled that work has now restarted on site. There has obviously been some concern from local residents about the future of the development after work was brought to the halt, but it’s fantastic to see Morris Property getting stuck in on site.”
Councillor Raymond Hirons, Chair of Prees Parish Council, said: “It’s our aspiration to ensure that everyone in Prees has somewhere affordable to settle, live and call home.
“We know that there is a real shortage of affordable housing in this area, and our local residents have worked tirelessly with partners to ensure that people with a local connection will be given priority to move into these homes.
“Prees is a great place to live, and we are pleased to see this development get back on track.”
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for physical infrastructure, added: “We are committed to providing affordable homes for local people and families who would not otherwise be able to afford to live within their own communities.
“It’s great to see activity starting on site again, and I would like to thank all of the partners for their help ensuring we can deliver these much-needed homes.”
