Partnership with Mendip District Council to develop council-owned land

In 2020 Mendip District Council (MDC) embarked on an ambitious development programme of affordable and social housing to address the pressing need of the 1,685 households registered for social rent in the district.

Having identified a number of council-owned sites but with no housing programme of its own, MDC was keen to work alongside a trusted partner, which also owned land adjoining their shortlisted locations.

Jonathan Smith, development programme leader at the MDC explained further: “We were keen to take this project forward with a well-respected and well-funded organisation willing to take on and balance the risk. Aster’s commercial expertise and the potential for each site was comprehensively explored to make sure we were able to fully optimise these opportunities. We selected Aster as an established, stable housing association, and the highly experienced team to help us deliver this affordable and social housing.”

This successful partnership will deliver affordable homes to communities in Glastonbury and Street comprised of 39 homes.

Naturally MDC needs to demonstrate best value for the projects and to ensure complete transparency, we are working with the Council within a legal framework.