Hightown unveils 14 social rent houses in Sandridge

Hightown Housing Association held a special opening event in the village of Sandridge, located between St Albans and Wheathampstead, for 14 new three-bedroom houses for social rent.

Victoria Collins MP declared the new homes officially open alongside The Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Cllr Jamie Day, and Cllr Jacqui Taylor, Lead Councillor for Housing at St Albans City & District Council. Other attendees included local residents, staff and councillors from St Albans City & District Council and Sandridge Parish Council, Hightown staff and Board members plus contractors and consultants involved in the development.

The new development at Warner Close in Sandridge delivers much needed social housing for families in a high value area. All homes have the highest energy efficiency EPC rating of A and come equipped with Solar PV panels and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

St Albans City & District Council provided grant funding and successfully applied for additional grant funding from the Government’s Local Authority Housing Fund to enable all the homes to be let at social rent (50-60% of the market rate).

Victoria Collins MP marked the occasion by planting a tree, symbolising growth and sustainability. Speaking at the event, Victoria said: “These are exactly the type of homes that are needed for local families, so I’m delighted to see these well-designed, sustainable homes for people who really need them.”

Cllr Jacqui Taylor, Lead Councillor for Housing at St Albans City & District Council, added: “I hope the families on our housing register that will be moving in here will be delighted with their new home. Within our District, three-bedroom houses are the most in need, especially by people who are living in over-crowded homes and so I could not be happier to see these energy efficient three-bedroom homes for social rent for local families.”

David Bogle, Chief Executive at Hightown Housing Association, said:

“We are most grateful to St Albans City & District Council and the Government for the funding which allowed us to let these homes at social rent. These new homes are all part of Hightown’s aim to end homelessness and provide affordable housing for people who cannot afford to rent or buy at market rates. I hope the new residents will be very happy living here.”