Forest of Dean District Council has enabled the development of 200 affordable homes in 2022.

Consisting of 35 social rented homes, 115 affordable rented homes and 50 shared ownership homes, all the homes were rated highly on energy efficiency.

Cllr Claire Vaughan, cabinet member for housing, said: "The previous year has been really promising for us. Given the scale of the economic challenges facing our residents, I'm delighted to see that we have delivered 200 affordable homes.

"It's also great to see that all of these properties achieved Energy Performance Certificate rating B; meaning that they are more energy efficient, which will help residents achieve lower energy bills.

"As we look to 2023 and the year ahead, I'm encouraged to see many more developments taking place. Through these developments we can continue to ensure that our residents have access to affordable housing options."

The homes were delivered across various sites throughout the Forest of Dean. Here are some of the key developments:

• Mannings Farm, Drybrook: A further 35 homes were delivered at the Forest of Dean's first factory-built modular housing scheme at Mannings Farm, Drybrook. The scheme is supported by a £44,969 contribution from the district council.
• Sedbury, Coleford and Lydney: Work with the Forest of Dean District Council's newest provider partner, Legal & General, has delivered 60 new affordable homes at sites in Sebury, Coleford and Lydney.
• Tufthorn Avenue, Coleford: 2022 saw the completion of the brownfield regeneration project at Tufthorn Avenue on the outskirts of Coleford. This saw the delivery of a further 49 homes.
• Two Rivers Housing, Lydney and Newent: Positive working relationships between the council and local housing association, Two Rivers Housing, has seen the delivery of 55 new affordable homes at Lydney and Newent.

A range of property types make up the 200 affordable homes; including one- bed flats, bungalows and larger sized four-bed family housing. The delivery of 50 shared ownership homes has helped multiple families take their first step on the property ladder.

All of these homes achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating B; higher than the national average for existing homes which currently sits at rating D. This means that this new housing is more efficient; resulting in lower energy bills and carbon footprint.