A TOTAL of 18 low-carbon affordable homes built by Bromsgrove District Council are set to be sold to a local housing provider.

Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht) was successful after a selection process that gave affordable housing providers the opportunity to bid for the properties.

The 12 social rented and six shared ownership homes, which will get warmth and energy from air source heat pumps and solar panels with battery storage, are part of a 61-property development by the council on the site of its former offices on Burcot Lane.

Cllr Shirley Webb, Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for strategic housing, said: “We’re pleased to announce that bdht will now be the registered social landlord to provide these much-needed affordable homes to residents.

“Their expertise and experience will be invaluable as we work together to deliver these quality homes to residents – homes which will also give residents lower energy bills and smaller carbon footprints, thanks to their higher energy efficiency standards.”

Cllr Karen May, council leader, said: “I welcome bdht’s keenness to be involved in this project.

“I’d like to thank the officers and everyone else involved for all the hard work they’ve done to turn our old offices into these affordable, energy-efficient homes.”

The development site is just north of Bromsgrove town centre.

It was earmarked for new homes in local plans when the council decided on a move to Parkside off the town’s High Street.

Graeme Anderson, chief executive of bdht, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Bromsgrove District Council on this scheme.

“As the cost of living continues to increase, the need for genuinely affordable homes like these is more important than ever, and they’re ideally located in a central location with access to the town centre and shops too.”

The homes are currently under construction and on track to be handed over in early 2023.