Site snapped up for affordable housing scheme

A 2.76 acre site in Bidford-on-Avon has sold for £2.35m, paving the way for an affordable housing scheme.

Ben Truslove, joint managing director of property company John Truslove, acting for St Francis Group, said the sale of the site was hotly contested and bids went to best and final offers with Countryside Properties (UK) and social housing provider Midland Heart Ltd securing the deal.

The site was sold conditional on planning being granted, and following an appeal, the land on the corner of Waterloo Road and Wellington Road, will now be developed to provide 50 affordable housing properties.

Ben Truslove acted as an expert witness in the planning appeal and prepared a formal marketing report for the Planning Inspector.

He said: “This site was formerly used for industrial purposes, but the buildings had been demolished and the land cleared a number of years ago.

“While some local councillors and residents had hoped that the site could be sold to a supermarket operator such as Aldi or similar, but unfortunately there was a lack of appetite from retailers for the site.”

He said the site would now provide much needed affordable housing within walking distance of the village centre.

“It’s a site conveniently positioned in a mixed use area with commercial and residential uses in the vicinity, including the new Avon Meadows housing estate.

Clare Swinnerton of law firm Gateley acted for St Francis Group, while David Perry of Shoosmiths advised Countryside Properties (UK).

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