Planning approved for new affordable homes in Shrewsbury

The £10m development off Cedars Drive comprises a mix of homes for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership. It will provide four one-bedroom maisonettes, two two-bedroom bungalows, 13 two-bedroom houses, 18 three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses in both terraced and semi-detached designs. The development will also feature a range of sustainable features, including air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging points.

Paul Breen, Managing Director of Living Space, said: “The need for affordable and social housing has never been more acute. We are proud that this scheme in Shrewsbury will directly help local families who are struggling to access suitable homes. Securing planning quickly and efficiently is absolutely crucial if we are to meet demand at scale, and this project is a great example of how partnership working with Registered Providers and Local Authorities can deliver results.”

Shrewsbury, a historic market town with a population of more than 76,000, has experienced sustained demand for new homes in recent years. Rising house prices across Shropshire, coupled with a limited supply of social and affordable housing, have placed significant pressure on local families. The Cedars Drive development will help to address this shortfall, providing a variety of homes in a well-connected location close to schools, shops and public transport links.

Lesley Birch, Development Manager at Housing Plus Group, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Living Space and Homes England on this extensive residential scheme which will make a positive difference to people’s lives by creating a new community of much-needed, high quality and affordable homes in Shrewsbury. We are looking forward to work starting on this exciting project.”

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, more than 1.3 million households are on social housing waiting lists across England, and the Shrewsbury development highlights the importance of swift and collaborative planning decisions in bringing forward much-needed homes.

Luke Webb, Planning Director at Living Space, added: “We worked closely with Shropshire Council to bring this scheme forward, and we welcome their recognition of the pressing need for affordable homes. The ability to secure planning permission without delay is key to tackling the housing crisis. Living Space is committed to replicating this approach across the country in partnership with housing associations and local authorities.”