WORK has begun on the construction of a new £1 million affordable housing development in Rowden Lane, Chippenham.

Social housing provider Stonewater is working with Wiltshire Council and Redcliffe Homes to create the 13-home scheme, which will provide nine homes for affordable rent and four two-bedroom houses for shared ownership.

The first phase of the scheme is due for completion next year.

Matt Crucefix, Stonewater regional business development manager, said: “We’re delighted to be starting construction on these much-needed homes for local people in the area who are finding it difficult to find an affordable place to live.”

The nine rental properties will offer a mix of one-bedroom flats and two-bedroom houses.

All 13 properties are to be built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes standard that measures the energy efficiency of new homes in categories like carbon emissions.

Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said: “A lot of hard work has got us to this stage and we’re delighted with the progress. When they are complete, these much-needed homes will have a very positive impact on local families. This milestone underlines our commitment to continue to develop affordable homes to support our communities.”