Date published: 28 June 2024
In advance of Rural Housing Week (1-5 July), representatives from leading affordable housing provider, Stonewater, met with members of Holt Parish Council to discuss the importance of rural housing provision across Wiltshire.
Councillor Steve Siddall, Chair of the Parish Council, visited the Stonewater site at Station Road in Holt alongside several other Council representatives, who were able to see the range of new homes being built next to an existing Stonewater housing development.
The ten new one bedroom-maisonettes, two-bed bungalows and two- and three-bed homes, which will all be available for social rent for local people, are due to be completed this summer, transforming the old Star Ground.
These homes form the second phase of affordable properties being built in Holt, the first providing 12 homes in 2012. Both have utilised a rural exception site, which allows land to be provided below market value for residential development, following Stonewater and the Parish Council identifying the long-term need for rural homes to enable future generations to remain in the village.
The homes are being built by local construction firm, Winsley White, a rural housing specialist working closely with Stonewater on various rural schemes, and are being completed to Passivhaus standard, meaning they will be highly energy efficient and have a low ecological footprint.
Solar panels will be fitted, alongside the Wondrwall heating and water system, which uses smart technology to monitor and understand customer energy use to minimise energy usage and reduce bills.
With engaging public art being a feature of most new Stonewater developments, the site will also incorporate a constellation-themed art installation that reflects the name of the scheme.
Matthew Crucefix, Director of Development (West & South West) commented: “It was fantastic to welcome representatives from Holt Parish Council to our Star Ground scheme and review the progress taking place. Once complete, the site will provide much needed housing options for local people, which is never more important than in a rural village like Holt.
“Our vision is for everyone to have the opportunity of a place that they can call home and that shouldn’t be restricted to customers living in larger towns and cities. Affordable rural housing plays a vital part in enabling people to build their lives in smaller communities, which can often be more difficult to remain within or afford, and in turn plays an important part in keeping these rural areas thriving. We look forward to welcoming new customers to these homes.”
Cllr Steve Siddal added: “It was wonderful to see these brilliant houses nearing completion. We found this exception site many years ago and it is now blessed with 22 affordable homes for rent for people connected to this village. Stonewater and Winsley White have done an amazing job producing homes of the highest quality proofed for the future with green technology.”