Construction begins on 82 new affordable homes in Cotswold village

Construction work on the first of 82 new affordable homes in a Cotswold village has got underway.

Housing association Bromford is regenerating 56 old properties and 21 garages in Berkeley Close, South Cerney, replacing them with 82 modern, energy efficient homes. The work is taking place in two phases and following the demolition of the 38 former properties and garages in the first phase, construction work has now begun on the first of the 56 homes that will replace them.

The new homes are all being built with solar panels, battery storage and air source heat pumps, to give them all an EPC A rating, making them among the most energy efficient that Bromford has built. They’re replacing 1960s properties that were built using non-traditional construction methods, which had deteriorated in condition over the years.

Bromford is building a mix of one- and two-bedroom bungalows and flats, plus one- to four-bedroom houses. The development will include 63 homes for rent and 19 for shared ownership, helping meet local demand for affordable housing in the area.

Project manager Millie Nicholls said: “Reaching this milestone is an important step in our project and for the wider South Cerney community. Completing the demolition of these old properties and starting work on our new homes marks the beginning of a new chapter for the village, one where we can focus on delivering warm, safe and energy-efficient homes for local people.

“This project has been years in the making, so to have now started work on the new homes is a tangible sign of progress. By increasing the number of affordable homes in Berkeley Close we are providing more opportunities for families, couples and individuals to continue living in the village they call home. We’re looking forward to welcoming the first families into their new homes next year.”  

Building work is being carried out by Gloucestershire-based E G Carter, a family-run construction company, who have worked with Bromford on several previous projects. Mathew Vye, Residential Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd, added: “We’re proud to continue working in partnership with Bromford to help bring high-quality, energy-efficient homes to South Cerney, having been involved in the procurement and planning journey for the project. This development is not only delivering much-needed affordable housing but is doing so in a way that puts sustainability and long-term community benefit at its heart. We’re delighted to have begun work on site and look forward to supporting the delivery of these new homes over the coming months.”