Bishop of Plymouth to open new affordable homes in Stoke

Published by AD for Sarsen Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

John Ford, Bishop of Plymouth, will officially open 42 new affordable homes and a new church for St Michael’s parish in Stoke, Plymouth, at a special event organised by Sarsen Housing Association and St Michael’s church.

‘Meet the neighbours’ will give local residents and parishioners the chance to know each other a little better, with music-making for all ages from Plymouth Music Zone, a caricature artist and afternoon tea to break the ice.

The opening event will take place on Wednesday, 30 September, at 2.00pm at St Michael’s Church, Stoke.

The homes and church on Albert Road were built by Sarsen and its parent company Aster Group in partnership with the Church of England and Plymouth City Council. Through the partnership, redundant churches in Plymouth are replaced with new homes and places of worship. Since 2003, 116 homes have been built and another 38 will be ready in Whitleigh later this year.

The new church seats 100 people and has recycled features from the old church, including two stained glass windows and war memorials. The apartments are all for rent in the £5 million development and meet the Government’s Eco Homes Very Good Standard.

Sarsen resident Darren Payne, 36, moved into his two-bedroom apartment in June, which has been built especially for people in wheelchairs, with wide doors and corridors, higher wall sockets and other features.

In his previous home, Darren has to leave his wheelchair outside and climb three steps to reach his front door. He said “Sarsen knocks the socks off other housing associations. My housing officer is very helpful and the caretaker pops in once or twice a week for a chat. I love my flat and am as happy as Larry here.”