New homes and church bring new life to a community

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

Residents and parishioners in Stoke, Plymouth, celebrated the opening of 42 new affordable homes and a church by John Ford, Bishop of Plymouth.

The homes and St Michael’s church were built by Sarsen Housing Association 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.

John Ford, Bishop of Plymouth, said: "It's partnerships like this that bring new life to communities. A roof over one's head is a fundamental human need so it's a great joy to officially open more new, affordable homes and a new church for the local community."

The apartments are all for rent in the £4.9 million development and meet the Government's Eco Homes 'very good' standard. A £2.8 million social housing funding grant from the Homes and Communications Agency and a £191, 000 grant from Plymouth City Council helped pay for the new homes. Both the church and homes were designed by Jeremy Bell of JBKS Architects in Oxfordshire and the developer was Midas Homes.

Sarsen residents Ryan and Hazel Gentle moved in shortly before the birth of their baby Kai. Declared homeless in June, they were desperate to be settled before the baby was born. Hazel, 20, said: "Our home is a miracle. It's well built and clean and has a beautiful view of the river. There's also a real feeling of community here."

The new church seats more than 100 people and has recycled features from the old church, including two stained glass windows, war memorials and a new lectern and font made from the wood of the old altar.

Reverend Tim Buckley, 41, said: "The old church had its heating and electrics condemned, there were mushrooms growing on the carpet and mould on the walls and the congregation would turn blue with the cold. People are surprised and pleased by the size, warmth and open space of the new church."