Barker’s recent commission at Glebe Meadow, Roxwell, Essex had its opening last week. HRH The Princess Royal officiated English Rural’s new affordable housing development. Glebe Meadow provides seven new homes that will benefit local people.
HRH The Princess Royal safely met with residents, dignitaries and partners and viewed two of the affordable homes, before officially opening the development by unveiling a commemorative plaque.
The development secures much needed affordable homes for local people. Like many rural areas, villages across Essex have been affected by higher than average property values and lower than average wages, making it unaffordable for many local people to remain within their home communities close to family and support networks.
On the project Barker provided Employers Agent services. Michael Merrill, Partner at Barker said, ‘These are challenging times, supporting our local community to enable affordable housing has never been more important. We are delighted and proud to be able to work on this valuable project for English Rural.’
Commenting on the visit, Martin Collett, English Rural’s Chief Executive said, ‘HRH The Princess Royal’s visit helped to promote the value that small-scale affordable housing developments can bring to villages like Roxwell, providing well-designed homes in partnership with and for the benefit of the community. Affordable rural developments provide a secure and safe place for local people to live, in the communities they serve and support.’
The local community, Roxwell Parish Council, Chelmsford City Council, the Chelmsford Diocese and English Rural worked together to provide the village with a legacy for future generations.
The project was funded by English Rural and supported by grant contributions with local contractor Rose Builders constructing the homes.
