An ambitious council house building programme is progressing across Wiltshire.
The scheme, led by Wiltshire Council, aims to deliver a significant number of affordable homes and council-owned properties through a combination of direct construction, developer partnerships and acquisitions.
It forms part of the authority’s broader commitment to increase housing supply, improve existing homes and deliver energy-efficient housing as it works towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
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Property in Corsley Heath. (Image: Wiltshire Council)
Cllr Adrian Foster, cabinet member for strategic planning, development management and housing, said: “This is a long-term programme of delivery across Wiltshire, with sites coming forward at different stages and a mix of approaches being used to increase supply.
“Alongside wider housing delivery, we are directly building and acquiring new homes through our own programme – increasing the number of council-owned homes available to residents.
“Our focus is on delivering the right kind of homes that are efficient and meet local need so that homes are suited to the local area, are cost-effective for residents to upkeep, and support our wider ambition to be carbon neutral.”
Construction has begun on 18 new homes at Bartlett House in Ludgershall.
These properties are part of a council-led scheme in partnership with Rigg Construction and Rollalong, and are a mix of social rent and shared ownership.
The homes are all-electric and will include air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging.
In Salisbury and Devizes, further council-led sites are expected to begin construction this summer.
The council aims to deliver a significant number of affordable homes and council-owned properties. (Image: Wiltshire Council)
Temporary accommodation at Rambridge Crescent in Salisbury is also nearing completion.
The council is also working with developers through schemes that include Bellway, Redcliffe Homes and Newland Homes.
These partnerships are delivering additional affordable properties in various locations across the county and recent completions include homes at Rowden Park in Chippenham.
More than 250 homes have now been delivered through the programme, with more under construction or in the pipeline.
All new properties are designed to a high standard of energy efficiency, with improved insulation, air source heat pumps and solar panels.
These features are designed to reduce running costs for residents.
In addition to building new homes, the council continues to invest in upgrading its existing housing stock.
The housing programme offers a choice of affordable rent, shared ownership and social rent options.