Green light for 38 affordable homes in Shrewsbury as demand for social housing intensifies

Living Space, the Solihull-based affordable housing specialist, has secured planning approval at Committee from Shropshire Council for a 38-home scheme off Cedars Drive in northern Shrewsbury, as the national shortage of affordable and social homes continues to dominate the housing agenda. 

The £10m development, which was recommended for approval by planning officers, comprises a tenure mix of shared ownership, affordable rent and social rent. It will provide 4 one-bedroom maisonettes, 2 two-bedroom bungalows, 13 two-bedroom houses, 18 three-bedroom houses and 2 four-bedroom houses, in a blend of terraced and semi-detached designs, in partnership with Housing Plus Group. The development will feature a range of sustainable features, including air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging points.

Shrewsbury, a historic market town with a population of over 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.

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, over 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.

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.”

This project is Living Space’s first development for Housing Plus Group, underlining the company’s growing role in supporting Registered Providers across the UK.

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.”