£22m deal paves way for new affordable homes

A100 per cent affordable homes development in Wigan has moved closer after a £22m deal was agreed between homebuilder Northstone and affordable housing provider Torus.The 113-home development off Stothert Street in Atherton – to be known as ‘Popple’ – was approved by Wigan Council last month. Now, a landmark deal will see the new homes be classed as affordable and available to rent, thanks in part to funding from Homes England.The first energy-efficient homes at Popple are expected to be ready by the autumn of 2024. They will include 33 homes for affordable rent, 12 homes available for social rent, and 68 Rent To Buy properties.The all-electric community is set to feature enhanced fabric to minimise heat loss, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers.The deal sees Torus acquire the site from Peel, with Northstone set to build the homes to their high standard.Jo Allen, land and partnerships director at Northstone, said: “There’s no let-up in the housing crisis, with authorities like Wigan needing to diversify their housing mix to meet local demand.”It’s fantastic to be partnering with Torus to deliver a 100 per cent affordable home development that will set a new local benchmark for quality, sustainable rental communities surrounded by green space.”Torus is set to take on the site as part of its wider new build development programme, increasing the number of and access to affordable homes across the North West.Managing director of Torus Developments, Chris Bowen, added: “As a housing group, we’re well aware of the current cost-of-living-crisis and how heavily it is impacting our communities and the cost of housing, so our mission to continue building great, affordable homes continues to be as pertinent as ever. We’re thrilled to have received planning permission on Popple and to be bringing another affordable scheme to Wigan.”Designed to embrace natural features and provide a central green corridor, the new neighbourhood will also link footpaths through the development into existing routes.Delivery of Popple is being supported by £6.6m of grant funding from Homes England Strategic Partnership 2021-26 programme. It is part of a wider investment strategy from both Northstone and Torus to invest in Wigan and the surrounding area.Wigan Council approved a planning application for the Popple site in November 2023 and has been working with project partners to help meet its local targets for delivery of affordable homes.Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare at Wigan Council, said: “This is a really exceptional development, of good quality affordable homes that have been thoughtfully designed, making sure the energy source is both sustainable and will keep the bills low.”Kate Collins, from Homes England, added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities.”As a Homes England Strategic Partner, Torus has committed to delivering new affordable homes via the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26. The investment at Popple will provide much needed, good quality affordable new homes that the people of Wigan can be proud of.”