South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 22/03/2012

Councillors gave Merlin approval to develop the council-owned site earlier this month and work is expected to start later this year.

When finished it will include a new Post Office and shop, plus three much-needed affordable homes in this rural location.

Welcoming the news, South Gloucestershire Council Executive Member for Community Care and Housing Matthew Riddle said: “There is enormous demand for affordable housing in our rural areas so I am very pleased that the council has been able to bring this scheme to fruition in partnership with Merlin Housing Society.

“The development reflects the council’s commitment to providing affordable homes for local people as set out in our housing strategy.

“It is also very gratifying to know that the village will be welcoming a new permanent Post Office and shop. Many villages have lost their rural Post Offices and so this will come as a welcome boost for the local Cromhall community.”

Peter Crouch, Development Manager at Merlin said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this project to provide a permanent home for Cromhall’s popular shop and Post Office. Its success over the past few years has been a testament to Cromhall’s community spirit and I’m sure it will go from strength to strength once it has moved to its new home”.

“We are also excited at the prospect of providing new homes in the village, as this will be our first rural development. The demand for affordable housing in South Gloucestershire has never been higher. Over the next five years we aim to build 300 homes in the region to ease this demand, and these homes are the second development in that programme”

Land for the scheme is currently occupied by a temporary Post Office and shop housed in a portakabin, which will be moved to another site while work is in progress. South Gloucestershire Council’s contribution to the scheme will include the land, as well as £100,000 of capital funding towards building costs for the new Post Office.

The new homes will include a one-bedroom flat above the new Post Office plus two two-bedroom houses, built to a high quality, energy efficient design that will benefit tenants by providing lower running costs.

The affordable housing will be built and operated by Merlin, which is the largest affordable housing stock holder in South Gloucestershire.