New homes to reflect Stafford’s RAF heritage

Stafford’s long association with the RAF is to be recognised as part of a landmark affordable housing development.

The £6.7m development in Hesketh Road by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) marks a decade of investment by the area’s leading housing association as it celebrates its 10th anniversary year. On completion of the scheme next year the new buildings will proudly display the names of classic military aircraft.

Consisting of 63 high-quality, energy-efficient apartments, the development is divided into five apartment ‘blocks’ to be named Westland Court, Wessex Court, Victor Court, Tornado Court and Harrier Court.

Although RAF Stafford closed a number of years ago to make way for the bustling Ministry of Defence facility, a Harrier Jump Jet on display by the gatehouse in Beaconside has become a local landmark.

Matt Hine, a Project Surveyor at SARH, worked closely with the RAF Museum at Cosford to settle on the names, which will help to build on the town’s rich military aviation heritage.

Matt, whose own son serves in the Royal Engineers, said: “In such an important year for SARH we thought it would be appropriate to tap into Stafford’s history when it came to naming this landmark development. Many people will remember these historic aircraft flying over the town.”

Planning permission for the development was granted by Stafford Borough Council last year and work is already well underway on site involving the housing association’s construction partner on the project, Wates Living Space. The old flats have been taken down and the foundations of the new apartments, including the housing association’s 500th new home, are now firmly in place.

In the process the scheme has generated numerous job opportunities for local people and once finished, will help transform the appearance of the area as well as meeting local housing needs.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, commented: “We are really excited about this project, and it has generated a huge amount of interest since we first unveiled our plans.

“Now we have such inspiring names for the apartments that excitement is set to build and we look forward to an official naming ceremony as these quality, affordable homes near completion.”

The project is one of several affordable housing schemes currently under construction by SARH and its partners. Anyone interested in a new affordable rented apartment can register their interest at www.sarh.co.uk/homes

Pictured: Matt Hine, Project Surveyor at Stafford and Rural Homes with the Harrier Jump Jet located at Stafford MOD.