CONTRACTS have now been signed with work on site officially underway to build 58 open market and affordable homes at Church Street in Rugeley.
Leading national housebuilder, Lovell is working with Cannock Chase Council to deliver the scheme that is expected to be completed in 2026. The brownfield land, which was previously the site of Aelfgar School until it was demolished in 2016, will become a new community offering a selection of two-, three-, and four-bedroom properties.
As with much of the West Midlands, housing demand in Rugeley is extremely high, with the West Midlands Combined Authority working towards ambitious targets to build 215,000 new homes by 2031 to support growth. This development will see 29 homes created for open market sale via Lovell and 29 homes available for affordable housing – surpassing the government requirements for affordable housing provision on new build sites.
Stuart Penn, regional managing director at Lovell, said: “While we’re awaiting a definition of grey belt sites, this development is another great opportunity of how derelict land can become an active and valuable community with high-quality homes, close to essential amenities.
“We’re eager to engage with the residents as much as possible throughout the build process and have already worked with a family to rehome their memorial tree as part of the scheme.
“This is our first time working with Cannock Chase Council on a new build development, following previous successful regeneration projects together. We’re looking forward to strengthening our relationship and the housing need in the area.”
Sustainability is at the forefront of the design for this development, with the specification including key features like air source heat pumps, PV solar panels and battery storage technology to ensure all homes reach Future Homes Standard.
Building work is due to commence on site towards the end of 2024, and once complete it will offer a selection of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties, catering to a range of buyer types and requirements.
Councillor Sue Thornley, portfolio leader for housing and corporate assets said: “I am delighted that work can now begin on the much-needed housing project in Rugeley. This is a particularly exciting development as these will be the first houses constructed to meet the Future Homes Standards. This means that the houses built will be significantly more energy efficient and will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions by incorporating heat pumps, solar panels, electric car chargers and high levels of insulation. These homes will not only provide cost savings for residents through lower running expenses, but they will also support our climate change agenda by improving the district’s carbon footprint.”
For more information about Lovell Partnerships visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/
