A small scheme of 12 affordable rural homes, including ten houses and flats for affordable rent and 2 houses for shared ownership, Churnbridge Row was completed in 2020 for Circencester Housing, a registered social housing provider.It was built for local people living in, working in or with close family connections to the parishes of North Cerney and Bagendon.

We took over ownership of the scheme last year when Cirencester Housing decided to transfer all its 176 homes to us as part of a merger.

Located in the Cotswolds National Landscape, the homes were sensitively designed to promote community cohesion while being spacious and comfortable with air source heat pumps and high levels of insulation installed to help reduce energy use and fuel bills.

In addition, two of the one-bed flats were built as ‘flexi-flats’ meaning the layout can be altered to create a second bedroom, reducing the need for tenants to move should their family grow. 

Sandra Price, who was involved in securing the scheme during her time as a Board Chair for Cirencester Housing, said: “As a charitable housing association, Cirencester Housing was always community focused. This development, our third rural housing scheme, was undertaken to help address the shortage of affordable homes identified by a local housing needs survey. We are very grateful to North Cerney Parish Council and the local community for their support and encouragement. Cotswold District Council provided essential grant aid, without which this scheme would not have come to fruition.  Longstanding housing pressures in the Cotswolds are well documented, so helping rural communities by providing affordable housing for local people is crucial.

“Churnbridge Row has regularly received positive feedback from both residents and the local community, so I’m absolutely thrilled that it has now also been recognised with an award from CPRE Gloucestershire.”

Richard Reynolds, Chief Executive at Cottsway, said: “The legacy of Cirencester Housing continues after its 70 years in operation in the Cirencester area, and this award is testament to the difference it made to affordable housing provision.

“We’re proud to now own the Churnbridge Row scheme - it has helped people to stay in their local area and the location offers the perfect balance of rural living and easy access to local employment while benefiting from the small community atmosphere.”

Launched in 2007, the CPRE Gloucestershire awards have recognised over 100 projects which demonstrate sustainability and result in significant improvements to the environment and facilities for their communities.

An awards ceremony was held at Elmore Court near Gloucester on 12 November, and Sandra Price and Richard Reynolds were joined by representatives from other parties involved in the Churnbridge Row development.

There were 6 awards presented to various schemes and initiatives at the ceremony and recipients were presented with certificates and plaques for display by CPRE Gloucestershire’s President, Madeleine Bunting.

She said: “At CPRE Gloucestershire we strive to support rural communities, and this is 17th year we’ve held these awards. We’re delighted to recognise this affordable housing scheme as rural homes such as these can be a catalyst in helping rural communities to thrive. Without them, it can be difficult for families to grow and remain in the area, putting the long-term sustainability of the local economy at risk. Congratulations to Cottsway and the former Cirencester Housing team who delivered this.”

Pictured with the award: Mark Walker, housing assistant at Cottsway, Sandra Price former Cirencester Housing Board Chair, and Richard Reynolds, Cottsway Chief Executive.