Nine new affordable homes for local people in Lydney unveiled

Published by Anonymous for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Communities, Environment, Health

Community homes organisation Two Rivers Housing has got planning permission to develop nine new affordable homes for local people at Pylers Way in Lydney.

The pocket development will see a mix of three and two bedroomed homes, some for rent and some for shared ownership.

The mix will help more local people find a home close to their family and friends, despite sky high house prices and lower than average wages in the Forest.

The site is on existing Two Rivers land accessed via Pylers Way, between Rodley Road and Rushyleaze. The new homes will replace a row of a dozen worn out old garages and two empty prefabricated “Cornish style” post war houses.

It’s another big investment for the Forest, with a price tag of well over £1m. In the last year Two Rivers has completed 43 new low-cost homes and has started work on another 116.

The low cost homes organisation has attracted funding from Government to pump prime its £38million building programme with 380 new homes for local people over the next few years. It has also had support from Forest of Dean District Council.     

Not-for-profit Two Rivers will be going out to tender soon to find a developer to deliver the Pylers Way project and as usual will be looking to maximise the impact for the local economy. Work should start on site next spring.

Development Director Matt Hunt said the organisation worked hard to ensure that at every pound of investment maximised the benefits for the wider community.

“We can build quality new homes that local people can afford because we don’t make a profit. These affordable rents will be 20% cheaper than the average. And shared ownership provides a real opportunity for local people to get a foot on the ladder.

“Building affordable homes gives people a chance in life. That’s why Two Rivers exists. But we can do more. We work hard to ensure our investment stays local. We employ local specialists and buy local materials wherever possible, while ensuring we keep affordable for local people. It’s a difficult balancing act. 

“About 70% of our spend goes back into the local economy. And we demand that contractors who work for us provide opportunities for training and apprenticeships too. We are building a brighter future for the community,” he said.

The new homes in Pylers Way will be designed to fit in with the local architectural style, and will be landscaped to protect the privacy of existing residents. There will be 17 parking spaces dedicated for the nine homes.

Anyone who is interested in the opportunity to shared ownership, affordable rent or buying a new home in their community should contact Two Rivers on 0800 316 0897.