A TURF-cutting ceremony marked the start of construction on a £5 million mixed development of 38 affordable homes in Stroud.

Members of Stroud District Council and other guests joined staff from social housing provider Stonewater at the site in Bisley Old Road.

Stonewater is one of the UK’s leading social housing providers, formed from the merger of Jephson and Raglan at the start of the year.

Working in partnership with Stroud District Council and local contractor Markey Construction, the firm is delivering a mix of eight one-bedroom apartments, 19 two- and 11 three-bedroom houses for social rent.

All the properties will achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 efficiency rating with low-energy heating systems.

Bob Strachan, Stonewater chief executive officer, said: “There is an urgent need for good quality affordable housing in Stroud where local people – particularly younger groups - are being squeezed out because they cannot afford high private rents.

"Stonewater is committed to working with the Council and our development partners to provide more well-designed affordable homes, meet local people’s needs and help create thriving, happy and sustainable communities.”

Chris Brine, chairman of Stroud District Council’s community services committee, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Stonewater to provide much-needed affordable homes for the district’s residents.

“This development complements our current house building plans and will link in with the redevelopment of sites around the top of town.

“The council is committed to supporting the provision of all types of housing. Aside from providing quality affordable homes, the construction process will stimulate economic activity via employment opportunities, which is a further local boost.”

The scheme is due for completion in spring 2016.