Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing’s (STAR Housing), an arm’s length management organisation (ALMO) for Shropshire Council, has proudly celebrated the completion of its latest development, Aspen Grange in Weston Rhyn. Less than five miles from Oswestry this exciting project built by developers Harper Group provides 40 high-quality, affordable homes designed to meet the diverse housing needs of the area.
The development, completed in 2024, offers a mix of tenures, with 36 homes available for Affordable Rent (AR) and 4 offered through Shared Ownership (SO). The variety of property types has already benefited the local community by providing opportunities for residents to downsize into modern, energy-efficient homes or step onto the property ladder through shared ownership.
New residents, staff and stakeholders at Aspen Grange, Weston Rhyn.
All homes at Aspen Grange have been built to Nationally Described Space Standards, ensuring comfort and practicality. Each property includes:
Shared Ownership properties also include built-in A-rated kitchen appliances, providing additional value and convenience for buyers.
39 homes are now occupied with many residents now settled into their new homes.
Community Celebration Event
To mark this significant milestone, STAR Housing hosted a celebratory event in the development’s purpose-built community room. Residents, the local community and stakeholders gathered to enjoy refreshments provided by Harpers, the developers who brought Aspen Grange to life. The event showcased the strong community spirit that Aspen Grange has fostered.
New resident Sammie Lewis and Harpreet Rayet, Managing Director at Aspen Grange celebration event.
Harpreet Rayet, Managing Director of STAR Housing, shared moments with new tenants Sammie Lewis and Mandy Davies, who spoke about how their new homes have positively impacted their lives.
Sammie Lewis, who moved into one of the two-bedroom homes last year, reflected on the significant improvement to her living situation. Previously living in a privately rented flat in the village, Sammie shared:
“I’m overall really happy with my new home. It’s perfect for my family.”
New resident Mandy Davies and Harpreet Rayet, Managing Director at Aspen Grange celebration event.
The development also features a range of bungalows, which have provided a welcome opportunity for residents to downsize without compromising on quality. Mandy Davies and her husband relocated to one of these bungalows with their dog, finding the new home far more manageable than their previous larger house. Mandy expressed her gratitude:
“I love the new bungalow. It was difficult downsizing, especially packing and going through all the stuff we had gathered over the years, but STAR Housing helped make the moving process less stressful. I’m really happy with my new home – the size now suits us better, but the rooms and bedrooms are still such a good size, which is great.”
Mandy also highlighted the added benefit of being closer to family, with her mother now living on the same estate just down the road.
Robert Macey,Shropshire Councillor for Weston Rhyn and Maggie Rowlands, Chair of Weston Rhyn Parish Council, officially opening the Aspen Grange purpose built community room.
Harpreet Rayet, Managing Director of STAR Housing, commented:
“It’s wonderful to see the positive impact these homes are having on people’s lives. We are committed to building homes that truly meet the needs of the local community, and hearing these stories is a reminder of why we do what we do.”
The development is part of STAR Housing’s ongoing commitment to providing quality, affordable homes that improve the lives of local residents while meeting the needs of the community.
Councillor Dean Caroll, Cabinet Member for Housing and Assets at Shropshire Council also commented:
“Aspen Grange is a shining example of our commitment to providing energy efficient and high-quality, affordable housing for our communities. This development not only meets the immediate housing needs but also fosters a sense of community and belonging for its residents. We are immensely proud of what has been achieved here.”
Andrew Chadd, Construction Director of J. Harper & Sons (Leominster) Limited said:
“We are proud to have worked with STAR Housing on this much needed scheme in Weston Rhyn. We are thrilled to have been welcomed back to the development to celebrate the great sense of community that has been fostered at Aspen Grange. Hearing how much the scheme has meant to many of the residents highlights the crucial need for affordable housing in rural areas.”
Maggie Rowlands, Chair of Weston Rhyn Parish Council, expressed her delight:
"We are thoroughly impressed with the site. It's wonderful to see the finished product after being involved from the very beginning. Our voices were heard, and it's gratifying to see our ideas implemented so effectively."
James Wallace, a member of the community-led development group and Weston Rhyn Parish Council, added:
"We are thrilled with the new development and the addition of the community room for the village. This project is a shining example of what rural housing should look like."
Meeting Shropshire’s Housing Needs
STAR Housing, as an arm’s-length management organisation for Shropshire Council, continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the county’s housing challenges. Aspen Grange is the latest example of this commitment, providing a range of affordable options to meet diverse needs while promoting sustainability and community.
Residents have praised the development not only for the high quality of the homes but also for the opportunities it has provided to create a vibrant, supportive community. With the project now complete, Aspen Grange stands as a beacon of progress for Weston Rhyn and a testament to STAR Housing’s mission to improve lives through housing.
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