29-year-old Jessica Broomfield is a single mother of three. She has only recently moved into her new rental home in The Orchard, Chirbury, after the house she rented in Churchstoke was sold by her landlord. As the Broomfield family turns the key and walks into one of the 13 affordable homes in the new development, a wave of relief washes over them. This program is meant to provide safe housing alternatives for families like theirs.
Shropshire spearheaded this amazing development. In spite of the huge investment of 3 million £, it took six years to realize. Shropshire Council and Homes England jointly funded these homes in order to build social rent homes. Through this program, residents have an option as they face the growing burden of the private rental market. Jessica expressed her gratitude, stating, “I couldn’t tell you how happy we are to have this.”
Jessica’s previous living situation posed various challenges. She was worried about heating and maintaining such a large, old house. “It was really hard keeping the whole house warm, especially through winter,” she noted. Because they did not have central heating, her family had to invest huge sums in burning fuel, such as coal or logs.
Jessica can now enjoy thousands of dollars in heating bill savings. She’ll do it in part by installing an air source heat pump in her new home. “The cost of everything at the moment is going up. The wages are going up but they’re not going up as much as the bills,” she stated. The more energy-efficient system with positive pressure ventilation and heating will not only be a greater comfort but will reduce financial burden.
Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, illustrated how these types of projects are key to meeting local housing needs. “Private market rent here is huge,” she said, pointing out that private market two-bed homes are almost all at least £750 a month. The new affordable homes will be a catalyst. Their price points will be 55 to 60 percent less than like-kind properties would be on the open market. “This has meant young people can stay here and people on basic state pensions can stay here, rather than having to move away,” she added.
Jessica’s dream of a safe place to call home has come true. She expressed, “I needed somewhere that was going to be secure for my family.” Now, combined with their new affordable home, she’s most excited about making memories there — safe, happy memories that could last a lifetime. “We want to make it our proper family home now.”
The Broomfield family’s journey goes to show what a world of difference new affordable housing developments can make for their respective communities. With more families benefiting from similar initiatives, the hope is that many will find secure homes that meet their needs.
