Living Space starts on site at 48-home development for Community Housing in Kidderminster

Affordable housing specialist Living Space has commenced construction for the delivery of 48 new homes on the outskirts of Kidderminster for Community Housing.

Living Space secured planning permission from Wyre Forest District Council for the development with associated access and parking, open space and landscaping. The 2.1Ha (5.2 acre) parcel of agricultural land, located off Husum Way, was allocated for housing in the adopted Wyre Forest District Local Plan.

Paul Breen, Managing Director of Living Space, said: “We are delighted to have started on site, and very much looking forward to working with Community Housing on the delivery of much needed, quality affordable homes in Kidderminster. 

“This is our first venture with Community Housing and the development will include homes for shared ownership and affordable rent, along with various financial contributions to the local economy.”

Worcestershire-based Community Housing is a Registered Social Housing Provider delivering a variety of homes and housing-related services to tenants and residents.

Matt Cooney, Chief Executive of Community Housing said: “We are looking forward to the construction of new affordable, high-quality homes, which will compliment the existing community while tackling local housing need.

“The provision of a higher number of social rented homes has been made possible by the enhanced level grant agreed by Homes England."

The development design is tenure-blind, with local materials proposed to replicate nearby traditional dwellings. Gables, bays and window treatments, and steep roofscapes are some of the elements that define the design principles. A total of 94 parking spaces have been provided for across the scheme.

Designated cycle parking will be provided within the garden shed to each new home to encourage cycle usage. The landscaping plans for the residential scheme allows for the retention and protection of the majority of existing hedgerows and trees, with the exception of providing for site access.

The architect for the scheme is Worcestershire-based Watkiss, Dawson & Ward. JPP Consulting is the transport consultant, Mucklow & Harris has advised on the flood-risk assessment and drainage plans, FPCR is the landscaping consultant, while Betts Ecology has advised on the ecological and arboricultural aspects.