A scheme to deliver affordable homes in a Staffordshire village has been completed, with the contractor handing over the site to Homes Plus, a Housing Plus Group company and leading provider of affordable homes in Shropshire and Staffordshire. 

The new terraced homes in Bilbrook, have already welcomed their first Homes Plus customers and will now help to meet high demand for affordable housing in the village. 

Built by Harper Group, they replace a former garage site – transforming the appearance of the area and improving the quality of housing stock in the village. 

Bilbrook parish councillors recently visited the site to have a look around the finished properties. 

Sue Adams, Chair of Bilbrook Parish Council, said: “The Council is highly supportive of schemes that use such brownfield sites for the provision of affordable housing for local residents, and the build quality of these new homes is impressive.  

“Well appointed throughout, with ample parking, EV charging points, beautiful landscaping, and even a bat box on the wall of one of the homes, this small development could be used as an example of what can be achieved. Full marks to the housing association and the developer for what they have achieved.” 

Housing Plus Group was awarded £300,000 in funding for the project from South Staffordshire Council and had the backing of Bilbrook Parish Council. 

Lesley Birch, Development Manager at Housing Plus Group, said: “It is exciting to see the completion of these attractive, high-quality and energy-efficient homes and to be handing over the keys to the new residents who all have a local connection to the parish of Bilbrook. 

“The new homes replace old garages on the site and have significantly improved the appearance of the area and brought a brownfield site back into use. 

“It’s been a pleasure to work in partnership with South Staffordshire Council and Bilbrook Parish Council for the benefit of local people.” 

During a visit to the site, parish councillors also chatted to resident Hollie about her new home. 

The mother-of-two described her new house as a ‘dream come true’. Hollie said: “Our new home is everything my girls and I have dreamed of, and to see the smile on their faces when we moved in was priceless! 

“I’ll be forever grateful to Homes Plus for making our dream come true and giving us such an amazing opportunity. They have thought of every detail to make sure these homes are simply perfect. 

"We can’t wait to start making forever memories in our beautiful new home!” 

The homes were carefully designed to complement the area, with onsite parking and spacious gardens.  

Harper Group was Housing Plus Group’s construction partner on the project. Nick Bates, Harper Group’s Technical Director, added: “J Harper & Sons were delighted to have worked with Housing Plus Group to deliver the new affordable rented homes.  

“The homes were built using traditional form of construction with Brick and Blockwork, but also to include high levels of insulation in the floors, walls and roofs.  

“This accompanied along with the most up to date gas heating system and A rated double glazed windows and doors, will assist the tenants of the new homes to keep their fuel bills low.” 

This project is one of three small developments in South Staffordshire by Housing Plus Group that are being completed this year. A further 10 new homes (five for shared ownership and five for rent) are being built on a rural exception site in Shop Lane, Oaken, while a purpose-built bungalow with special adaptations has completed in Kinver.