Rural house visits by local politicians in Wiltshire
Affordable Homes Coming to Holt, Wiltshire
In the picturesque village of Holt, a new development is underway, aiming to provide much-needed housing options for local residents. The Stonewater development, located at Station Road, is being led by Matthew Crucefix, director of development at Stonewater, and is being constructed by local construction firm Winsely White, a rural housing specialist.
The development includes 22 homes, which are part of the second phase of affordable properties in Holt. This phase follows 12 homes built in 2012, demonstrating a continued commitment to addressing the local need for affordable housing.
The emphasis on affordable rural housing in Holt is driven by several factors. Rural areas often face challenges such as limited housing supply, higher property prices relative to local incomes, and pressures to maintain community sustainability and diversity. Affordable housing is crucial to enable local people, especially younger families and essential workers, to remain in or move to the area, supporting the local economy and social fabric.
This local need for affordable housing is being addressed through partnerships with local construction firms like Winsely White, which specialize in building homes suited to rural settings. The firm is developing smaller-scale, community-focused housing projects that incorporate affordable units, working closely with local authorities and housing associations to meet specific affordability targets.
The new homes at the Stonewater development are being built to Passivhaus standard, ensuring energy efficiency and a low ecological footprint. Solar panels and the Wondrwall heating and water system, which uses smart technology to minimize energy usage, will be installed in the new homes. These sustainable building practices are suitable for rural environments, helping to maintain the character of the area while increasing housing supply.
Councillor Steve Siddall, chair of Holt Parish Council, visited the Stonewater affordable housing site and welcomed the development. The development utilizes a rural exception site for residential development below market value, transforming the derelict old Star Ground.
The new development is expected to be completed this summer, providing a significant boost to the housing options available in Holt. By prioritizing affordable housing, the development aims to help keep rural areas thriving and support the local community.
[1] Regional Planning Policies and Affordable Housing Delivery [2] Sustainable Rural Development and Affordable Housing in the UK
- To sustain the local economy and social fabric of Holt, Stonewater's development, being led by Matthew Crucefix and constructed by rural housing specialist Winsely White, is introducing 22 homes built to Passivhaus standard, incorporating solar panels and smart technology to minimize energy usage.
- In line with regional planning policies and efforts in sustainable rural development, this affordable housing development at Station Road in Holt is part of a continued commitment to address the local need for affordable housing, particularly for younger families and essential workers.
- Simultaneously focusing on affordable housing and the environment, the Stonewater development in Holt is partnering with local construction firms to build homes suited to rural settings and employing sustainable building practices, ensuring a low ecological footprint and increased housing supply, all while preserving the area's character.
