(L-R) Jayne Burton, Bromsgrove District Council; Zoe Byng,
new John Corbett Way tenant and Calum Walmsley, BDHT.
BDHT, the largest provider of affordable housing in the district
of Bromsgrove, has handed over the keys to the first tenant at John
Corbett Way, its new affordable housing development in Stoke
Prior.
Zoe and Chris Byng, who used to live on Lyttleton Avenue in
Charford, received keys to move into a newly built three bedroom
home, which has been built on the site of the former Redgrove
School.
BDHT refurbished the original school and converted it into 11
two, three and four bedroom homes. A further eight homes have been
built on the former playground, including five, three bedroom homes
and three, two bedroom homes.
BDHT is giving people with a local connection, for example those
who work or live in Stoke Prior, the first opportunity to rent one
of the properties.
Zoe and Chris have two young children, Liam aged four and
Finlay, 18 months. Zoe said: "We used to live in a small two bed
flat, which was totally unsuitable for our family's needs. We
needed to find somewhere bigger, more affordable and close to my
husband's work at Harris Brushes in Stoke Prior so John Corbett Way
is perfect.
"Most importantly the children just love it here. We didn't have
a garden in our old flat and now they have all this extra space to
play in. In fact when we came to view the house I couldn't get them
to leave the garden which I took as good sign!"
Eamon Thompson, New Business Manager, BDHT, said: "We're very
proud of John Corbett Way as it offers local people all the
benefits of modern living in an affordable way. We've made sure
that it is local people who will benefit from this development by
giving them first opportunity to rent the homes, which is crucial
if we are to help ease the shortage of affordable housing that
exists in Stoke Prior and the surrounding Bromsgrove District.
"Handing the keys over to Zoe and Chris has been great
opportunity to see first-hand how these affordable homes are
already helping to improve the lives of people in the area."
Eight of the properties at John Corbett Way are also available
to buy now through shared ownership, which allows people to get
their foot on the property ladder. Prices start from £70,000
for a 50% share in a two-bedroom house and from £78,250 for a
50% share in a three-bedroom house.