• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Monday February 20 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Selwood Housing reaches milestone of 7,000 affordable homes

Wiltshire housing association Selwood Housing is celebrating the handover of its 7,000th home.

The firm says the milestone represents Selwood Housing’s commitment to providing secure tenancies in lower-cost rented homes and helping people onto the housing ladder through its shared ownership homes.

Since its foundation more than 30 years ago as West Wiltshire Housing Society, Selwood Housing has continued to thrive as a not-for-profit independent housing association firmly focused on serving local communities.

Barry Hughes, group chief executive, said: “We know the vital difference an affordable home makes to people’s lives, so handing over keys to our 7000th home is a proud achievement.

With more than 1.2 million households in England on social housing waiting lists in 2022, including many thousands in Wiltshire and Somerset, tackling the housing crisis is more critical than ever. We’re firmly committed to playing our part.”

Paul Walsh, group development director, said: “As one of the southwest region’s locally-based housing associations, reaching our 7,000th home is a significant landmark.

“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Homes England, Wiltshire Council, Mendip District Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council. Plus all the local partners who have helped us achieve this.

We’ve faced many challenges to reach this point, but one thing remains constant – our firm belief that a stable affordable home gives people a great foundation on which to build their lives. We know because our customers are always the first to tell us what a difference their home has made.”

Despite a gloomy economic forecast in the construction sector, Selwood Housing continues to invest in its communities, building new homes and helping to regenerate the local area.

Its Platinum Court development at Studley Green in Trowbridge, marks the launch of its first EPC ‘A’ rated land-led properties, providing homes that are warmer and cost less for households to run.

“With recent government figures showing a net loss of social homes over the last decade, there’s a desperate need to deliver more secure affordable homes like those at Platinum Court and to keep investing in our existing homes and services,” said Barry.

Providing 7,000 homes for local families and individuals is something to be celebrated, but in the face of a national housing emergency, we know there’s so much more to do. We’re here to embrace the challenge.”