Celebration marks completion of new affordable homes near Wales border

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing), an arm’s length management organisation for Shropshire Council, has celebrated the completion of its latest development, Aspen Grange in Weston Rhyn.

Less than five miles from Oswestry, the development was built by developers Harper Group to provide 40 "high-quality, affordable homes designed to meet the diverse housing needs of the area".

The development, completed in 2024, offers a mix of tenures, with 36 homes available for affordable rent and four offered through shared ownership. 

The organisation said that the variety of property types has already benefited the local community by "providing opportunities for residents to downsize into modern, energy-efficient homes or step onto the property ladder through shared ownership".

39 homes are now occupied with many residents already settled into their new homes.

To mark the completion, STAR Housing hosted a celebratory event in the development’s purpose-built community room where residents, the local community and stakeholders gathered to enjoy refreshments.

Harpreet Rayet, Managing Director of STAR Housing, said: “It’s wonderful to see the positive impact these homes are having on people’s lives. 

"We are committed to building homes that truly meet the needs of the local community, and hearing these stories is a reminder of why we do what we do.”

Maggie Rowlands, chair of Weston Rhyn Parish Council, said: “We are thoroughly impressed with the site. It’s wonderful to see the finished product after being involved from the very beginning. 

"Our voices were heard, and it’s gratifying to see our ideas implemented so effectively.”