A landmark partnership to deliver new affordable homes in Wychavon has been given the green light.
Wychavon’s planning committee has granted permission to build 23 new homes, including affordable housing, on council land off Laurels Avenue in Offenham.
The project is a tie-up between Wychavon and Rooftop Housing to support the council’s long-held ambition to directly invest in housing to meet local need.
Six of the homes will be for social rent with another three offered as shared ownership properties. The rest will be for private rental, either at or below market rent. Homes will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties as well as two bungalows.
Under the partnership, Wychavon is funding the development while Rooftop has led the design and planning application process. They will project manage construction on behalf of Wychavon, who will continue to own the site and will appoint the developer to build the scheme. Once completed, ownership of the affordable homes will be transferred to Rooftop via a section 106 agreement on a freehold basis. The homes for private rent will be leased to, and managed by Rooftop under a management fee arrangement, ensuring a return for the taxpayers on the council’s investment.
Zebra Architects has designed the development with a focus on high quality, energy-efficient homes inspired by the character of Offenham and the surrounding landscape.
It is hoped construction will start by spring 2026.
Cllr Rick Deller, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Housing and Regulatory Services on Wychavon District Council, said: “I’m delighted this exciting and innovative partnership project has been given the go-ahead, allowing us to use our land and resources to boost housing supply to meet rising local demand. I look forward to building work starting as soon as possible.”
Boris Worrall, Rooftop Housing Group Chief Executive, added: “We are really pleased to be helping to deliver local homes for local people through what is a fantastic partnership with Wychavon District Council. Together we will be providing a range of high-quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes, including for rent and shared ownership. This innovative project will make a real difference to the community by meeting local housing demand and ensuring families in Offenham have access to the homes they need.”
Julian Hill, Director at Zebra Architects, said: “It’s been a privilege to be part of such of a considered and collaborative design journey. The process was made even more enjoyable, working alongside a great team, engaging and focused on achieving the same high-quality outcome. As a result, Zebra is incredibly proud for the Wychavon Planning Committee to describe the approved scheme as exemplar. We can't wait to see the scheme built out and enjoyed by new residents!”
Pictured (above right): Site plan for the planned new development in Laurels Avenue, Offenham. Picture courtesy of Zebra Architects.