New affordable homes in Caversham have been turned over to a housing association whose builders have recently been accused of ‘shoddy’ brickwork at another site.
Building has been completed for 22 new homes at the Emmer Green Drive development, which has transformed the former Reading Golf Course into an estate.
The development is being undertaken by Vistry Thames Valley, a building consortium made up of Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and affordable housing provider Abri.
Following the first completions in November last year, 11 affordable rent homes and 11 shared ownership properties have now been handed over to Abri, helping to address the urgent need for housing in the area.
Trevor Wicks, managing director at Vistry Thames Valley said: “This milestone reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable housing that meets the needs of the community.
“We are delighted to be working with Abri to help more people take their first steps onto the housing ladder or secure a home at an affordable rent in this sought-after location.”
Abri has stirred controversy in Reading as building workers have been accused of ‘shoddy brickwork’ at its development in Great Knollys Street.
Mustafa Chaudhary, an architectural designer from Caversham, posted a video showing bricks whitened by efflorescence at Abri’s 40 home development that replaced the Avis Budget Car Rental business.
However, photos provided show no identifiable signs of efflorescence at the houses in Emmer Green Drive.
The news comes as Abri has opened its onsite marketing suite and show home, which is available via appointment for aspiring owners to find out more about what is on offer at its collection of 83 properties in the development.
Abri has cited figures stating that rent has increased by 32 per cent as a result of its connections to the Elizabeth Line, with Shared Ownership providing an affordable way for people to own a property with a low deposit.
Stuart Hensby, sales and marketing director at Abri said: “As rental prices in Reading rise at a rapid rate, aspiring buyers are finding it harder than ever to balance monthly costs while saving for a home of their own.
“This latest phase launch of Shared Ownership homes at Emmer Green Drive are providing an accessible way to make those all-important first steps onto the property ladder, without the overwhelming financial barriers.
“Located on the outskirts of the town centre, these homes give buyers the chance to stay in a place they love on a long-term basis, with the option to staircase their way to full ownership.”
Once complete, Emmer Green Drive will consist of 156 private sales homes and 67 affordable homes.
The Emmer Green Drive development proved controversial, with more than 4,000 people objecting to outline plans prior to its approval by Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee in March 2022.
A pre-application consultation on extending the development by 70 homes on land within South Oxfordshire District Council’s jurisdiction closed on April 13.
