As Rural Housing Week kicks off today, STAR Housing and Shropshire Council wish to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to building more new homes in our rural communities. This week is crucial for highlighting the fantastic work happening in rural communities to combat the housing crisis. Research shows that building just 10 affordable homes in a rural area generates £1.4 million for the local economy and supports an average of 26 local jobs (National Housing Federation, 2024). Despite the benefits, constructing new affordable homes in rural areas presents significant challenges. Complex regulatory and logistical issues often hamper the delivery of these essential homes. STAR Housing remains dedicated to overcoming these obstacles to build more homes for the communities of Shropshire by building community-led rural housing developments. This year, we have seen positive progress across the county, with our new homes providing more people with a place to call home.
Our new builds boast high EPC ratings, modern finishes, and sustainability features, making them ideal for sustainable family living. Additionally, our developments adhere to local letting policies, ensuring that the local community benefits the most from our new affordable homes.
Here are some of our latest developments!
In late April, STAR Housing completed 24 houses and bungalows in the beautiful village of Whittington. This rural site offers a variety of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom properties for affordable rent and shared ownership, providing high-quality, affordable housing options for individuals with a local connection to the village.
STAR Housing, in partnership with Cornovii Developments Limited, has successfully completed Ellesmere Wharf, a 23-home development that adds much-needed housing to the picturesque town of Ellesmere. This project offers various housing options, including detached and semi-detached homes and bungalows. This regeneration site is a great example of how mixed-tenure development can be delivered through a successful partnership working between STAR Housing, the local community, and Shropshire Council. 
June 2024 saw the completion of the Aspen Grange development in Weston Rhyn. This is a modern, affordable housing development featuring 40 new homes built in partnership with the local parish council and community. Aspen Grange is located less than 5 miles from Oswestry, letting residents enjoy rural tranquility while benefiting from nearby town amenities. The development also includes supported living accommodation for over 55’s, family homes, and a new community hub.
The Oaklands development in Weston Rhyn is scheduled for completion at the at the end of July 2024. This mixed-tenure site offers a range of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom houses, plus 1 and 2-bedroom bungalows. All homes are built to the Nationally Described Space Standards and designed to reduce carbon emissions. The new homes benefit from solar panels and air-source heat pumps. The new homes will also achieve an Environmental Impact Assessment rating of ‘A’. The site has easy access to Bayston Hill amenities, including a primary school, GP surgery, convenience store, post office, and library.
Moving forward, STAR Housing has set a goal to develop 225 homes over the next three years. Through close collaboration with Shropshire Council, we remain committed to building more rural homes as we recognise the housing challenges in many of our villages. As we celebrate Rural Housing Week, it's essential to recognise that these developments are more than just construction projects. They represent hope, a lifeline for many rural villages, and a better quality of life for countless families.
Rural Housing Week. (n.d.). National Housing Federation. Retrieved July 1, 2024, from https://www.housing.org.uk/our-work/rural-housing/rural-housing-week/#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20building%20just%2010%20affordable%20homes
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