Date published: 01 May 2024
As local housing needs continue to grow, Herefordshire is an area Stonewater has and continues to heavily invest in.
In fact, we now manage 2700 affordable homes across the county, with a further 260 new homes in planning or under construction, and behind those homes are many local benefits that aren’t as obvious as the physical bricks and mortar.
Rural homes
Blunden Meadows in Ewyas Harold is our latest development in Herefordshire, where at the end of 2023, we celebrated the completion of Stonewater’s 6000th newly built home since our formation in 2015. At this scheme, we worked with Speller Metcalfe to construct 38 homes using innovative technology to reduce carbon emissions and lower bills for customers.
Our contractors are chosen both for the quality homes they build and their locality to the development. Speller Metcalfe work across three counties, employing many of their project team from Herefordshire.
Subcontractors were also selected from within a tight radius, with 79% of the trade packages coming from within 30 miles of the development. This project also offered several apprenticeships to local people through the supply chain, including one who has now been employed by a local company.
Having included public art on our development schemes for over a decade, providing engaging and community minded pieces of sculpture for local people to enjoy, the Ewyas Harold site was no exception, with a steel train and benches representing the local Golden Valley Railway, again supplied by a local company.
We also take incredible pride in developing the area around our homes with play areas, green spaces and even edible landscaping for customers and communities to enjoy.
Meeting future needs
We know that the county needs an additional 16,500 homes by 2031 and as an affordable housing provider wanting to bring much-needed new homes to an area, we work closely with local councils, fostering strong relationships with Herefordshire Council and Hereford City Council as well as other partners in the area to continue providing affordable, safe homes for local people.
Our strong local partnerships and supply chains, coupled with putting real thought, heart and innovation into our homes means that customers and communities want to look after and nurture the spaces we create; win-win for everyone concerned.
These new homes provide local people with the opportunity to remain in the towns or villages they have grown up in, ensuring young households can stay in the county, supporting and delivering local services and keeping businesses and schools thriving.
