Leading partnership housebuilder celebrates a step forward in supporting the government’s housing ambitions with the completion of new council homes on council-owned land in Rugeley.

With the West Midlands accounting for 13% of affordable housing completions delivered through Homes England programmes in 2024/25, there is a clear role for the region in helping to increase the supply of affordable homes.

Striving to meet this demand and ease pressure on local housing waiting lists, Lovell Partnerships and Cannock Chase District Council have completed 29 affordable rented, council-owned homes in Rugeley.

The homes form part of the 58-home Farriers Fold development and demonstrate how local authorities can work with experienced development partners to unlock their own land and increase the supply of affordable housing for their communities.

Chantel Cresswell, head of partnerships at Lovell in the West Midlands, said: “Farriers Fold is a strong example of what can be achieved when local authorities and private sector partners work together to deliver much-needed homes. By partnering with Cannock Chase District Council to bring forward this scheme on council-owned land, we have helped to provide new affordable homes that will support local people on the council’s housing waiting list.

“This partnership has seen the council’s first affordable homes built since 2021, as well as the very first homes it has available for residents built to Future Homes Standard – which is exactly what the government is looking for on a national scale and something we’re proud to be achieving across the region.”

Each home has been designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, incorporating features including solar panels and air source heat pumps. These measures have the potential to support lower energy use and running costs, while providing warm and comfortable homes for residents.

To celebrate the completion of the development, Lovell hosted an event bringing together residents, partners, local councillors and tenant engagement representatives. The event provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions and find out more about their new homes. A dedicated trailer was also on site during the event to demonstrate how to use the air source heat pumps effectively to help residents get the most from the energy-efficient technology and make the most out of their new build.

Councillor Melissa Cecil, portfolio leader for housing and corporate assets said: “As the first council homes in the district built to Future Homes Standards, these properties set a new benchmark for energy efficiency and sustainability.

“This achievement forms part of the wider delivery of 58 new homes made possible through our successful partnership with housing specialist Lovell. Working together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved through a shared commitment to providing quality, affordable housing and investing in our communities. I wish all new residents every happiness as they begin the next chapter in their new homes.”