New partnership will help provide more affordable homes in South Gloucestershire
03 Apr 2009
Around 100 new affordable homes are expected to be built in the next three years, as a result of a development agreement just signed between Merlin Housing Society and Somer Community Housing Trust.
Merlin owns almost 8,000 homes that transferred from South Gloucestershire Council in 2007. The partnership with Somer Community Housing Trust will allow it to build the new homes in the area, using the Trust’s development and construction services expertise.
Somer Community Housing Trust’s role involves finding appropriate sites and working with planners and contractors to deliver schemes. The Trust has already built up a reputation in South Gloucestershire, working with the council to provide affordable homes to rent and buy. This agreement puts Merlin and the Trust in a stronger position to bid for government money, through the Homes and Communities Agency, to build even more homes.
The two Chairs met on Tuesday, 17th March to officially sign the agreement.
Les Good, chairman of Merlin Housing Society, said: “We are delighted to be able to draw upon Somer’s experience and know-how to help us deliver new, affordable homes in South Gloucestershire and I hope this is the start of a long and successful partnership.
“We know that there is a huge demand for affordable housing in the area and developing new homes in the area for local people will help to alleviate this. We are already looking at two sites in the district for possible future development to provide new homes for local people.”
John Bader, Chair of Somer Community Housing Trust, said:
‘This is an exciting step forward for the Trust and Merlin, two of the largest social landlords in the West of England. Despite the credit crunch, affordable homes have never been off the agenda, and in this recession, it’s even more important that we can provide the homes that so many people desperately need.’
The Trust is very keen to hear of opportunities in the South Gloucestershire area, where affordable new homes could be built. Please call James Read, Development Officer, on 01225 366020.