North Somerset councillors Wendy Griggs and Steve Bridger have visited three affordable housing developments in Yatton being delivered by Alliance Homes. Together, the three brownfield sites will provide 86 much-needed affordable homes for local people. Homes across all three schemes are being built to achieve EPC A ratings, helping future residents reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions.
The tour was led by Helen Napierski, New Homes Manager at Alliance Homes, with the first stop at Martin Wood Place, the site of the former Oxford Instruments factory. Once complete, the development will create a vibrant new community of 58 affordable homes.
The group was welcomed by James Hutchinson and Owain Barker from Woodstock Homes, Alliance Homes' development partner for the project.
James and Owain showed how the former factory is being carefully demolished, with materials being recycled wherever possible before construction of the new homes begins in the coming months.
Councillor Wendy Griggs said: "The factory has stood empty since Oxford Instruments relocated to Severn Beach a few years ago, so it's fantastic to see this site being brought back into use. Alliance Homes has taken on a significant project, and the transformation from a former industrial site into a new affordable housing community will make a real difference for local people."
Helen Napierski added: "We're grateful for the support provided by North Somerset Council throughout this project. The planning team has played an important role in helping bring this brownfield site forward as a 100% affordable housing development."
The second stop on the tour was the Box Bush development in Yatton's North End, where Alliance Homes will deliver 20 affordable homes on a site previously occupied by farm outbuildings.
The tour of the site was led by Simon Tannahill and Mark Maggs from Strongvox Homes, Alliance Homes' development partner for the scheme.
Commenting on the development, councillor Steve Bridger said: "This scheme will help local families by providing much-needed social and affordable rented homes. The development will also benefit the wider community through improved pedestrian connections, making it easier for residents to access nearby homes and local facilities."
The final stop was to see the recently completed new homes at Marsh Road, where customers have recently moved into eight new affordable homes. The development has transformed another brownfield site, replacing two long-term empty properties and nine garages with six modern houses, two maisonettes and a parking area.
Reflecting on the completed scheme, councillor Wendy Griggs said: "It's wonderful to see families already settling into their new homes. This development makes much better use of the land whilst providing high-quality, energy-efficient housing for those local people who need it most."
Helen Napierski said: "At Alliance Homes, we're committed to playing our part in tackling the housing crisis across our region. Our ambition to deliver 2,000 new affordable homes by 2033 will help more local people and families access secure, affordable, high-quality homes.
"These three developments in Yatton demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when housing providers, local authorities, development partners and communities work together. Not only are we creating affordable homes, but we're also regenerating brownfield land and helping to strengthen local communities for the future."