SIX affordable rent and shared ownership properties in Welford are now complete thanks to a £900,000 scheme.

The stylish properties, off Barton Road, have been developed by Stonewater, a leading social housing provider in the region, as part of housebuilder CALA Homes’ new 18-home development, The Arbour.

Stonewater has worked with CALA Homes and the Council to deliver the scheme which provides four three-bedroom family homes for low-cost rent and two houses for affordable shared ownership.

The affordable housing element of the scheme is part of an initiative by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to address a chronic shortage of affordable homes for local people.

The homes have very energy-efficient heating systems and high levels of insulation in a bid to reduce residents’ heating costs and counter fuel poverty.

They will be allocated through Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s Choice Based Lettings scheme which will give priority to those with a local connection to Welford.

Robert Vaudry, portfolio holder for housing and infrastructure at Stratford on Avon District Council, welcomed the homes' completion. 

He said: "The council is very much aware of the local and national challenges which surround the provision of affordable homes. Delivery of this scheme is proof that working in partnership with developers and social housing providers can achieve the outcomes which the council is committed to securing."

Stonewater executive director for development Jonathan Layzell added: "There is a desperate need for low-cost homes like these in Welford and in other villages across the West Midlands which have been particularly hit by declining numbers of affordable properties."