Seven new homes for social rent have been completed at Queens Drive in Cashes Green after Stroud District Council transformed a previously unused brownfield site into affordable housing.
The development comprises two one-bedroom flats, three two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses. The land formerly contained a play area and garages, but had been closed and unused for several years. The council said bringing the site back into use would provide much-needed affordable rental accommodation while making productive use of previously developed land.
The properties have been advertised through HomeseekerPlus, the council’s choice-based social housing lettings scheme. This means the new homes form part of the district’s social housing allocation process rather than being marketed as private rented properties.
Energy-efficient homes with adaptable layouts
Speller Metcalfe built the homes, which were designed by Trower Davies and Quattro Design Architects. All seven have achieved an Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, A rating.
The properties include high levels of insulation, air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging points. These features are intended to improve energy efficiency and help future residents reduce their energy bills.
Accessibility and future adaptability were also considered in the design. With the exception of the upper-floor flat, the homes have step-free access, level thresholds, wider doorways and adaptable layouts. The two three-bedroom houses have the potential for a ground-floor wet room to be installed if required.
The site includes a range of features intended to support wildlife. These include a hedgehog house and hedgehog highways, an insect hotel, a reptile hibernaculum, swift boxes, swallow and house martin nesting features, and bat boxes.
Construction began in January
Construction started in January 2026 and was completed in October. The project was registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which promotes high standards across the construction industry.
Cllr Gary Luff, chair of Stroud District Council’s Housing Committee, said: “These new homes demonstrate how brownfield land can be transformed into high-quality affordable housing that meets local needs while protecting our countryside.”
He added: “The site had stood unused for several years, and we’re pleased to have brought it back into productive use to provide much-needed affordable homes. Every new affordable home makes a difference at a time when demand for housing continues to outstrip supply.”
Cllr Luff also said: “We are particularly pleased that the scheme combines affordable housing with strong environmental credentials, helping residents to reduce their energy bills while supporting biodiversity through a range of wildlife features across the site.”
Third council scheme completed by builder in 2026
Queens Drive is the third affordable housing scheme completed by Speller Metcalfe for Stroud District Council during 2026. The earlier schemes were at Cambridge Avenue and Gloucester Street/Bradley Street.
Work is continuing at Glebelands in Cam, where a further 23 affordable homes are expected to be completed in 2027. Together with other projects supported by the same funding programme, the wider pipeline is expected to deliver nearly 50 new council homes across the district.
Mark Eaton, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We’re delighted to have successfully completed the seven new homes at Queens Drive for Stroud District Council. Bringing brownfield sites back into productive use and delivering high-quality, sustainable homes is something we take great pride in, and we’re pleased to have supported the council in creating much-needed housing for the local community.”
Government funding helped unlock the site
Stroud District Council secured £118,993 from the Government through the Brownfield Land Release Fund 2. The money supported the upfront work needed to bring the Queens Drive site back into use for housing.
The project forms part of a wider programme linked to the funding. Paul Britton, South West lead at One Public Estate, said: “Unlocking council land and delivering new homes is crucial across the country. What makes this development so special is that it will provide 100% affordable homes to help meet local demand.”
The Queens Drive development supports objectives in Stroud District Council’s Strategy for New Council Homes and Council Plan. These include increasing the supply of affordable housing, regenerating brownfield sites, improving energy efficiency and supporting sustainable communities.
