E G Carter completes Forest of Dean's first community-led affordable housing development

E G Carter has successfully completed the construction of 12 new affordable homes in Longhope, marking the completion of the Forest of Dean's first community-led housing development.

Delivered in partnership with Longhope Community Land Trust (LCLT) and Aster Group, the development provides much-needed affordable homes for local people with strong connections to the village, helping to ensure future generations can continue to live and thrive within their community.

The scheme comprises four one-bedroom maisonettes, six two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses, all available for social rent. Designed with sustainability in mind, every home includes an electric vehicle charging point and has been built to provide comfortable, energy-efficient living for residents.

The development represents the culmination of six years of work by Longhope Community Land Trust, which was established to address local housing needs and ensure affordable homes remain available for people with established ties to the village.

Alongside the housing development, Aster Group has contributed £5,000 towards a new community amenity space on Parish Council-owned land behind the village hall. The space already includes ten newly planted fruit trees, reflecting Longhope's historic orchards, with additional landscaping and seating planned for the future.

Michael Phelps, Chairman of Longhope Community Land Trust, said:

"After six very challenging years, we are delighted to see the 12 affordable homes, which Longhope CLT worked very hard to deliver in conjunction with Aster, are now fully occupied by residents with strong local connections. These homes will play an important role in supporting and sustaining the community."

Amanda Williams, Chief Investment Officer at Aster Group, said:

"It's fantastic to see residents now moving into these new homes, which have been designed with the needs of the Longhope community at their heart. Every new resident has a strong local connection to the village, whether through living, working or family ties, and demand was met without needing to go beyond the initial local connection criteria, demonstrating the level of local need for affordable housing."

She added: "These homes will provide lasting stability and security for local people, strengthening the community and ensuring that individuals and families can continue to call Longhope home for generations to come."

The project was supported by Forest of Dean District Council, which provided funding to help establish the Community Land Trust and bring the development forward, alongside investment from Homes England's Affordable Homes Programme.

Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Councillor Adrian Birch, said:

"I am delighted to see these new homes in Longhope now complete. This marks a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and demonstrates what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared commitment to meeting local housing need. These are much-needed, affordable, high-quality homes for the community of Longhope."

Mathew Vye, Residential Director at E G Carter, said:

"We are proud to have delivered this important development alongside Longhope Community Land Trust and Aster Group. From the outset, there has been a shared commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of the local community."

"As a Gloucestershire-based contractor, it is especially rewarding to see these homes now occupied by residents with strong links to Longhope. Community-led developments such as this play a vital role in ensuring rural communities remain vibrant and sustainable, and we are pleased to have been part of bringing that vision to life."