BUILDING work is progressing on 48 new affordable homes on the edge of Swindon.

The homes, for rent and shared ownership, are being built at Highworth Road, near to Honda.

Provided by Jephson Homes Housing Association, which has an office in Swindon, the £6.2m development is supported by Swindon Council and backed with a £330,000 investment by the Homes and Communities Agency.

The scheme is due for completion in summer 2015 and will have a mix of homes from one to four bedrooms, which will all be let and sold to Swindon people in housing need.

The brownfield site was formerly a council works depot, which lay unused for several years behind The Rat Trap pub. Built by independent, Bristol-based contractors mi-space, the properties will all meet a high level for sustainability and energy efficiency.

As part of the planning agreement, the project will also include a natural play area for children.

Jephson’s regional director for the south and west, Roger Glennie, said: “It’s good to get this scheme underway after getting planning permission on appeal. We’re creating some really attractive, modern homes for local people.”

James Graham, housing strategy manager at Swindon Council, explained how the new homes will make an impact on demand for affordable housing in the borough.

He said: “We currently have more than 3,000 people on our housing waiting list, so this development is a welcome boost to local supply.”

Tracey Hancock, area manager from the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “We support the building of many thousands of homes across England, so we know how important new properties like these are to local people.

“It’s great that work has started on the scheme and I look forward to seeing the homes complete and lived in soon.”

Lex Cumber, business development director at mi-space, said: “We’re really enjoying working with Jephson on this scheme.

“They allowed the time for us to design the homes to exactly match the site. For example, we’ve been able to build in extra sound insulation.

“We try to create as much social value as we can from our projects, so we’re mainly using local firms from within the SN postcode area for materials and supplies.”

The first shared ownership homes at Highworth Road will be ready in spring 2015.

For details, contact the sales team at Jephson Housing Association on 01454 204019 or eavann.phipps@jephson.org.uk Jephson Housing Association Group is responsible for more than 16,000 affordable homes across the country.

The principal activity of the group is the development and management of rented housing accommodation for those in most need.

In addition, the group provides assisted housing through low-cost ownership schemes and is involved in the management of former properties that are now privately owned.