New development provides affordable homes in Blaby District
“We have worked with Blaby District Council to design homes which address the range of housing needs and aspirations of local people."
Chan Kataria - Chief Executive
A new affordable homes development in Whetstone, South Leicestershire is being marked by the planting of a special tree in memory of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Villers is built on a brownfield site formerly known as Henson Park, which was originally part of the Whittle Industrial Estate; and will provide 77 new, mixed tenure, affordable homes. The development will provide 27 homes available for social rent, 39 for shared ownership and a supported living block of 11 flats with a communal hub and staff office. The first of the shared ownership homes will be completed in the coming weeks, with all properties anticipated to be handed over by the end of the year.
The scheme will be delivered by emh group, as part of its Strategic Partnership agreement with Homes England, and in partnership with Blaby District Council and development partners Lovells.
A tree which will form part of The Queen’s Green Canopy is the latest addition to The Villers. The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative was created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, and has since been extended to provide the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour The Queen.
Councillor Les Phillimore, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services, said:
“We are delighted that our partnership with emh group and Homes England is bringing more much-needed affordable homes to Blaby District. This will enable more people to access homes at an affordable rent as well as taking that important first step onto the property ladder.”
The new homes will be available in a range of sizes, including 1 bed wheelchair accessible flats, 2 bed dementia-friendly bungalows, and 2 to 4 bed family homes.
Christine Seaton, Senior Manager – Affordable Housing Growth at Homes England said:
“At Homes England we are pleased to support the development of high-quality housing using affordable housing grant and working in partnership with emh group, Blaby District Council and Lovell. When The Villers at Henson Park is completed it will provide much needed affordable homes for rent and shared ownership and contribute to building a thriving community. I am delighted with the progress made so far and look forward to seeing the homes being completed over the Spring and Summer.”
Chan Kataria, chief executive at emh group, said:
“We are delighted to continue our strong partnership with Blaby District Council, and we have worked with them to design homes which address the range of housing needs and aspirations of local people. We are proud to have planted this tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, which will provide a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign to those families who move into their new homes here.”
All homes will be provided by emh group, who will manage the sale of shared ownership homes. Those interested in shared ownership homes can contact emh at sales@emh.co.uk or call 0300 123 0918. The rented homes will be available through Blaby District Council’s Housing Register.