Work starts on 158 new affordable homes in Cheltenham

Stonewater is set to deliver 158 much-needed affordable homes for local residents as part of a major mixed-tenure development in Cheltenham.

Located off Harp Hill, in Battledown, the wider scheme will provide 250 homes in total, with a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership available for new customers.

The scheme, developed in partnership with Vistry, will provide over the required amount of affordable housing on site using grant funding for a proportion of the homes.

Perfect for individuals, couples or families at different stages of life, the scheme compromises one-bedroom apartments, one-bedroom bungalows and two- to five bedroom houses.

The Battledown scheme has been designed with sustainability, placemaking and community benefit at its heart.

All the affordable homes are off-gas with air source heat pumps and PV solar panels to ensure high energy standards while reducing customers’ energy bills.  

Once completed, it will also include dedicated public open space, play areas and new pedestrian access.  

Existing mature trees, including a prominent oak tree, have been retained and incorporated into the layout of the development. Sustainable drainage systems will also be introduced to manage surface water and support biodiversity.  

Matthew Crucefix, Group Director of Development at Stonewater, said: “This project will help deliver essential affordable housing in Cheltenham, an area where open market homes are often financially out of reach for customers.

“The homes at Battledown will provide a range of tenures to meet the diverse housing needs of the community, while offering extensive outdoor spaces and a public art installation for customers to enjoy.

“We’re pleased that this new development allows us to provide greater housing  stability and opportunity for customers in and around Cheltenham, which helps them to remain living in the area they know and love.”  

Supriya Ray, Regional Managing Director of Vistry Cotswolds, said: “This development represents a fantastic opportunity to deliver much-needed homes in Cheltenham, while investing in the local community and environment. We’re pleased to be working with Stonewater to create places people are proud to call home.”  

The scheme forms part of Stonewater’s ongoing commitment to working with partners to provide high-quality, affordable homes in places where they are needed most.