North Somerset MP Sadik Al‑Hassan visited Alliance Homes’ newly completed Elm Grove development in Nailsea to see first‑hand the difference high‑quality, secure and affordable homes can make for local people in housing need.
Elm Grove, built by Homes for the South West member Alliance Homes in partnership with Stonewood Homes and North Somerset Council, is a 100% affordable scheme providing 52 much needed new homes for social rent and shared ownership.
Each home at Elm Grove is Passivhaus certified, one of the highest energy‑efficiency standards possible, incorporating features such as triple glazing and airtight construction. For Alliance customers, this means reduced heating bills and increased comfort all year round.
Sadik was accompanied on the tour by Alliance Homes Chief Executive and Homes for the South West Chair, Louise Swain, as well as Alliance Homes Service Director for New Homes, Sarah McQuatt, and James Petherick, Director of housebuilder Stonewood Homes.
The visit also included meeting Alliance Homes customer Samantha Hollis in her new home.
Samantha recently moved to her accessible bungalow after an injury at work left her unable to remain in her previous home. She said:
“I was a coach driver, and when I picked up a suitcase, I hurt my back so badly that I couldn’t work. I lost my job, and the house I was renting for £1,000 a month no longer suited my needs. I was struggling with the stairs, the bathroom, and the cost.
“I applied for a home through HomeChoice, and since moving in, I honestly feel like I’ve won the lottery. There are no stairs, I don’t have to climb in and out of a bath anymore and everything is designed so well, it just works perfectly for me.
“After being told I could no longer drive, I wasn’t sure what my future would look like. But having a stable, suitable home has changed that. This home means I feel much brighter about the future. I feel very comfortable and safe here.”
MP Sadik Al‑Hassan said: “It was a pleasure to meet Samantha today and hear what a difference this high‑quality, affordable home has made to her confidence and day‑to‑day life. Elm Grove stands out as a prime example of good partnership working, showing how important it is that we not only build more desperately needed affordable homes, but build the right homes in the right places for local people.”
Alliance Homes Chief Executive, Louise Swain, said: “Hearing Samantha talk about what her new home means to her is genuinely motivating. We’re proud of what’s been achieved here, with North Somerset Council enabling the site, Homes England providing essential grant funding, and Stonewood Homes working with us to deliver these high‑quality, affordable homes.”
All homes for social rent on the site have now been allocated. A small number of shared ownership homes are still available through the Alliance Homes sales website.