Deal struck for affordable homes scheme in Wiltshire

A £77m private finance initiative (PFI) deal for the construction of up to 350 affordable homes in west Wiltshire has been agreed following government approval.

Wiltshire Council will work alongside Sarsen Housing Association, Persimmon Homes and its sister company Westbury Partnerships to produce a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.

The scheme sees land provided by the council and Persimmon Homes. Westbury Partnerships, working with Sarsen Housing Association, will build the first 240 new homes, with construction starting this month.

These new homes will be built in Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Melksham and Hilperton, with the first properties ready to move into during the summer. Plans to build a further 100 affordable homes will be developed following the agreement.

The housing PFI allows local authorities to work with private sector partners to build, improve and manage housing. It is administered in England by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which has been working with the council in support of its bid. This scheme is one of 13 that the Government signalled continued support for, subject to a value for money review, in November 2010.

Steve Blake, group development director for Aster Group, Sarsen Housing Association's parent company, said: "We're delighted to be working alongside Wiltshire Council, Westbury Partnerships and the HCA to help deliver, manage and maintain these vital new homes. As well as providing high-quality affordable housing across the county, this project will also create around 40 new jobs. We're looking forward to getting started."

Steve Roche, managing director, Westbury Partnerships Wessex, commented: "This joint venture will deliver more homes into the communities where they are most needed. The contract is an excellent example of cooperative working between the public and private sector and we look forward to welcoming the first new residents in the summer."