Work has begun on a new affordable housing development in Stroud to provide homes for more than 50 families.

The development of houses and apartments on land off Dudbridge Hill is being built by housing association Bromford and its development partner Vistry Group.

Groundworks began at the site in the spring and work is now progressing on the construction of the first homes. The development is due to be completed in phases, with the first homes ready for customers to move into in March 2025.

All 55 homes are being built with a high energy efficiency rating to help customers save money on their energy bills. The mix of one- and two-bedroom flats and two-, three- and four-bedroom homes will all be available to rent at social rent rates - the lowest form of rent.

The £15 million development is being part-funded by Homes England. Bromford has been one of Homes England's strategic partners since 2019 and, in 2021, secured £240m to build 4,000 homes by 2029.

Lousia Fryer, Bromford trainee project manager, said: "We're delighted to be working in partnership with Vistry to build these modern, energy efficient new homes in Stroud. The site is really starting to take shape now. We know there is a real demand for more affordable homes in Stroud and, by making all the homes on this site available to rent, we'll make a real difference to lives of 55 families who are currently on the waiting list.

"Last year we completed 1,191 homes and aim to build a similar number this year, working with local authorities and stakeholders."

Supriya Ray, regional managing director for Vistry Cotswolds, said: "Vistry is working in partnership to deliver high-quality homes for people who need them and create places they will love living in.

"Our partnerships approach is a key aspect of achieving this vision. In Stroud, our partnership with Bromford is providing 55 homes for people waiting for social housing, who will be able to live in a modern, energy-efficient home which will suit the needs of their families."

Bromford is the biggest housing association in Gloucestershire, with more than 12,000 homes in the county. It has a team of 70 neighbourhood coaches working in communities in the county every day.