Parliamentary candidate tours new affordable homes in Much Wenlock

A £3million Connexus affordable housing development in Much Wenlock was the location for a visit last week by Conservative parliamentary candidate for Shropshire South Stuart Anderson.

The 14 new affordable homes are nearing completion at the second phase of Callaughtons Ash on the edge of the market town. The houses, built in partnership with developer SWG Construction, are a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent.

Stuart Anderson met with Connexus chief executive Kate Smith and head of development Amanda Knowles to take a look around.

Kate Smith, Connexus chief executive, said: “The second phase of Callaughtons Ash is really important for Connexus and underscores our commitment to developing new high-specification rural homes which people can afford to buy or rent.

“Smaller developments like the one at Much Wenlock can be more complicated to plan and build, but a strong partnership approach has meant the project has been delivered smoothly and will benefit the local community for many years to come.

“It was great to show Stuart around and to talk to him about the new homes, discuss local challenges and our ambition for rural affordable housing.”

Properties at the scheme all feature energy efficient air source heat pumps, timber cladding which matches other homes nearby, large gardens and off-street parking.

Stuart Anderson said: “It was brilliant to meet with Kate and the team from Connexus to look at this innovative approach to developing rural housing. We discussed local issues like flooding, long-term planning, and how I could help bridge the gap in affordable housing for the people of Shropshire if I’m successful in this Thursday’s general election.”

The visit was also an opportunity for Connexus to share ‘Rural Ambition’, the association’s campaign ahead of the general election, which calls for more to be achieved in rural communities.

Kate Smith added: “Rural Ambition calls for closer working ties between local and national government. A shift in approach would help to build more affordable housing, support and invest in communities, provide more job opportunities, and improve infrastructure.

“The themes of our campaign are echoed by other voices in the housing sector such as the National Housing Federation through their long-term plan for housing and other rural housing associations during Rural Housing week, which started on Monday. We’ll continue speaking with candidates of all parties ahead of the election and into the new parliament.”

The second phase of the Callaugtons Ash development attracted £600k of funding from Homes England, and a £100k investment from Shropshire Council. The homes are expected to be completed soon, with the first residents set to move in during August.