Residents move in at Phelps Parade

Residents have moved into 16 new affordable homes in the heart of Calne town centre, developed by Westlea Housing in partnership with Wiltshire Council.

The new homes – 12 one-bed flats and 4 two-bed flats – are on the upper floors of a striking new building in The Pippin, designed by Westlea’s in-house architects team and built by local firm Crampton Leighfield.

The affordable housing was supported by grant funding of £750,000 from the Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

One of the new residents had previously been living in privately-rented accommodation, but had not been able to afford to keep doing so. "I love the flat, it’s great!" he said. "The rooms are spacious and it seems really well insulated, which is going to help with the heating bills." He is also pleased with the central location: "I certainly don’t have far to go to the shops!"

Ann Cornelius, Managing Director of Westlea Housing said: "We're really pleased to be providing 16 high-quality homes for affordable rent as part of this flagship new development in Calne town centre, helping local people who are unable to afford to buy their own home. We have worked in close partnership with the Council over several years to bring this project to fruition – and I think everyone would agree that the resulting development really enhances this part of the town."

Cllr Howard Greenman, Wiltshire Council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: "The new affordable homes at Phelps Parade are excellent and provide superb accommodation in the centre of Calne. This has been an important development in a town centre location and helps provide some of the much needed affordable housing in Calne. We are delighted to have worked with our partner Westlea Housing and the contractor to deliver these new high quality homes."