Construction of 18 new homes for social rent has begun at an exciting new regeneration project in the Cotswolds.

Having completed the demolition of former sheltered housing at Chamberlayne Close, Stow-on-the-Wold, in Gloucestershire, work has begun to build 18 energy efficient homes for social rent which are set to be completed by August 2022.

Cllr Dilys Neill, chair of Cotswold District Council and Cllr Jenny Scarsbrook, deputy mayor of Stow town council, joined colleagues from Bromford and E G Carter and Co Ltd to mark the start of the construction phase.

Bromford has been working in partnership with local contractors E G Carter after Chamberlayne House, was identified under the Sheltered Housing Review as a scheme that was no longer fit for purpose for elderly customers and had a poor energy efficiency rating.

Regeneration lead Claire Thomas said: “We are delighted that work has begun to build these new homes. They will be affordable for our customers to run and meet their needs for the future. We look forward to welcoming customers when the homes are completed next summer and to help them to thrive.”

Mathew Vye, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd, said: “ We are excited to see the positive impact that these 18 new homes will have on the local community in Stow. Chamberlayne Close will be our 7th development on the Bromford framework and after 26 years of partnership we are looking forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.

“Throughout this project we will be mentoring a Cirencester College T-Levels student as he progresses on his journey into the construction industry. He will be shadowing our Site Manager Jake Lomberg Williams and learning the ropes so he can put the theory he learns at college to the test. We are looking forward to seeing the new homes start to take shape in the new year with completion due Spring 2022.”

Cllr Neill said: “As the district councillor for Stow on the Wold, I am delighted to see the redevelopment of the Chamberlayne house site, as are many local residents. Social housing is in short supply in Stow & this is the first new development we have seen since the 1950s.

“The design will sit comfortably within the Park development and will be built to a high standard of energy performance reflecting the district council's priorities to address the climate change agenda. Local people will be pleased to know that the accommodation will be offered first to those with a known housing need who live in Stow or who have a strong local connection. I look forward to seeing the development completed and occupied next summer.”

Cllr Scarsbrook added: “Stow Town Council welcomes this new Bromford development to provide energy efficient homes for local people.”