Meeting local need in Marton
At Marton, near the Welsh border, Connexus is delivering ten new affordable homes designed to help meet local housing need and support the long-term future of the village.
The development is being built on a rural exception site, on land approved to provide affordable housing for people with a local connection - where development would not normally be permitted. Working closely with Shropshire Council, local councillors and the wider community, the scheme has been designed to provide homes that reflect identified local demand.
The development includes:
- Two one-bedroom homes for social rent
- One two-bedroom home for social rent
- Three two-bedroom shared ownership homes
- One three-bedroom home for social rent
- Three three-bedroom shared ownership homes
Alongside the new homes, the scheme will create a public space for the wider community. The homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging facilities and will include biodiversity features such as native tree planting, bird and bat boxes, and hedgehog-friendly fencing.
Amanda Knowles, Head of Development and Regeneration, said: "Affordable housing is vital to the sustainability of rural villages, helping people remain living in the communities where they have family, work and support networks.
"We've worked closely with Shropshire Council, local councillors and the community in Marton to develop a scheme that responds to local housing need. The result is a mix of homes that will provide opportunities for both affordable rent and shared ownership, helping people access housing that suits their circumstances."
The £1.8 million development has been supported through funding from Homes England and Shropshire Council and builds on the six affordable homes already delivered by Connexus at the site in 2003.
Kate Smith, Chief Executive of Connexus, said: "Small rural developments like Marton play an important role in helping communities remain balanced and sustainable. Without affordable housing, it becomes increasingly difficult for younger people, families and those on modest incomes to stay in the places they grew up in and call home.
"This scheme demonstrates what can be achieved when housing associations, local authorities and communities work together towards a shared goal. The homes will provide a lasting benefit for Marton and help meet local housing need for years to come."
Due for completion in summer 2026, the development forms part of Connexus' wider commitment to increasing the supply of affordable rural housing across Shropshire and Herefordshire.