SEVEN new, affordable homes could be built on a former garage site in Salisbury.

Agile Property and Homes, in partnership with Wiltshire Council, has submitted a planning application for a former brownfield garage site at Ramsbridge Crescent.

The plan would see seven, low-carbon, affordable homes built using a modular Modern Method of Construction (MMC).

They would be built to Future Homes Standard 2025, making them energy efficient, utilising panelised fabric-first construction.

People currently in unsuitable accommodation through the council – a significant cost to the taxpayer – would be eligible for the properties, if approved.

One of the properties would also be a two-bed home designed for people with disabilities.

Cllr Phil Alford, cabinet member for housing at the council, said: “These low-carbon affordable homes to be built using modern methods of construction would be one of several developments we are currently progressing and demonstrates the innovative approach we’re taking to provide affordable housing for Wiltshire residents who need it as part of our wider vision for 1,000 affordable homes across the county.

“The development is part of our council house build programme, which will see over £200m invested in building new, energy efficient council homes up to 2030.

“We are also making a substantial investment in improving existing council homes to ensure they achieve a minimum energy performance rating of B.

“Affordable housing is a key aim of our business plan, and this scheme is a clear example of the work we’re doing to make it a reality.”

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Pat Steward, head of opportunity at Agile Homes, added: “This proposal will sit alongside 1970s concrete panel, prefabricated homes.

“It’s a perfect setting to demonstrate how much modular housing has progressed, with vastly improved construction methods, use of natural, bio-based materials and fantastic thermal performance.

“As with all of Agile’s developments, we’re also able to deliver significant social value, by manufacturing panels in prison workshops for example, and massive environmental benefits, such as carbon capture (around 250 tonnes of atmospheric carbon in this development) by using natural materials, a biodiversity net gain of 47% and nutrient neutrality solutions agreed pre-submission. A tribute to team effort.”

To ensure sustainable methods, the project utilised a South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) framework for suppliers who are capable and committed to using low-carbon methods when constructing houses.

Penny Searson, regional manager at the SWPA, said: “We were able to provide a robust and efficient route to market for Wiltshire Council, which has enabled them to secure Agile as their contractor for this project.

“Our Low Carbon Offsite Housing Construction framework enabled the council to conduct a mini competition, ensuring the best value for money and quality for the delivery of this low-carbon housing development.

“We are delighted to continue supporting Wiltshire Council with their housing development requirements.”