FIVE social rent and shared-ownership homes in Salisbury have been built and are now occupied.

The homes, on land at New Zealand Avenue, were built by Wiltshire Council contractor, Rigg Construction, and employer’s agent, Ridge and Partners.

The development, on council-owned land, was built following a successful bid for Homes England funding, and provides three social rent and two shared ownership homes with an energy efficiency rating of B.

It is part of the council’s programme to provide 1,000 affordable homes over the next decade.

Cllr Phil Alford, cabinet member for housing, said: “These new homes provide much needed affordable housing with low running costs. This forms part of our wider vision for affordable homes across the county.

“This development is part of our council house build programme, which will see around £195m invested in building new, energy efficient council homes up to 2030.

The homes, at New Zealand Avenue, Salisbury, are completed and occupied

“We will also invest £289m up to 2032 on improving existing council housing properties 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 that a reality.”

Neil Callum, Ridge Employer’s Agent, said: “We are delighted to see these much-needed affordable homes completed and occupied.

“Energy efficiency is a key focus for Ridge, as it is for Wiltshire Council, so we were pleased to be able help manage the implementation of solutions, such as air-source heat pumps, to help lower the carbon footprint and running costs of these residences.”

Jim Deighton, contracts manager for Rigg Construction, added: “Rigg Construction is pleased to have been involved in the development of the new homes on this site for Wiltshire Council, working with its residential development team to achieve a completed scheme that has enhanced the area, and which will provide quality housing for the residents.”

All social rent homes are now occupied and all shared ownership properties have been sold.