Work begins on new affordable family homes in Cheltenham

Construction work has now started on a major new affordable housing development at The Folley, off Swindon Road in Cheltenham, which will provide 122 affordable homes for local people.

The development, being delivered by housing association Aster Group in partnership with construction company E G Carter, will create a mix of affordable rented and shared ownership homes, helping to address the significant demand for affordable housing across Cheltenham.

The start of works marks an important milestone for the project, which will also deliver new public open spaces and a play area alongside ecological features like bird boxes, bat boxes, bee bricks, hedgehog nest boxes and fences designed to allow hedgehogs to move freely.

The new homes will support Cheltenham Borough Council's ambitions to increase the supply of affordable housing and help meet growing local housing need. Over recent years, demand for affordable homes has significantly exceeded supply, leaving many local people struggling to access secure and affordable housing.

They include modern features to help reduce energy use and running costs, such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

Jane Gallifent, Development and Sales Director at Aster Group, said: "We are delighted to have reached this important milestone and to see work begin on site at The Folley. This development will deliver high-quality, energy-efficient affordable homes for local people, with a particular focus on helping more people access affordable home ownership through shared ownership.

"There is a clear need for affordable housing in Cheltenham, and these new homes will provide security and opportunity for individuals and families who want to put down roots in the area. We're also pleased that the development will deliver new open spaces that can be enjoyed by existing and future residents alike."

Mathew Vye, Residential Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd: "We're delighted to be working alongside Aster on this important new development. Delivering 122 new homes for rent and shared ownership is something we're incredibly proud of, but for us a project like this is about far more than the homes themselves.

As a family business, we always look for ways to leave a positive impact in the communities where we work. Through our partnership with Aster, we're looking forward to supporting local organisations, building relationships with groups such as Gardners Lane School and Cheltenham Animal Shelter, and creating opportunities that benefit the wider community."

The homes are being designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, helping residents manage their energy costs while supporting wider environmental objectives.

Once complete, The Folley development will provide a thriving new community that combines affordable housing and green spaces in a highly accessible location close to Cheltenham town centre.

The homes are expected to be advertised over the next few months, and eligible applicants will be able to bid for the homes through their local bidding process.

Applicants will also need to demonstrate they are connected to the district under the local connection criteria.