Local MP marks residents’ move-in at latest Skelmersdale housing scheme from Tawd Valley Developments

Seven key-holders are about to move into the first seven of fifty new homes at Fairlie in Birch Green, Skelmersdale, as they become available to rent on an affordable basis to local people. This form of tenure is the first of its kind to be offered by West Lancashire Borough Council as they embark on their ambitions to diversify their housing offer to the residents of the borough.

Marking the special occasion was West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton, Mayor of West Lancashire Councillor Maureen Nixon, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council Yvonne Gagen, Deputy Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing Councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts, who together planted a new birch tree and visited the scheme, developed by council-owned Tawd Valley Developments.
The houses form part of a 50-home development which includes 8 bungalows, 12 apartments and 30 houses, 13 of which are available on an affordable-rent-to-buy basis, including the first seven homes to be handed to residents from 31st July. Four of the new homes are built using the most advanced low-carbon methods and will be available as part of a future phase completion.

“We’re delighted to be able to welcome new residents into these homes,” said Mark Kitts, managing director of Tawd Valley Developments. “A big part of our remit is providing high quality, energy-efficient new homes through a range of tenures for local people, investing in the wider environment as we go. This is our largest development to date and we won’t be stopping here, with more schemes across West Lancashire to announce soon.”

The low-energy homes will benefit from dual zone heating, double-glazing and electric car charge points, as well as light and spacious accommodation. TVD has also invested in new, quality communal car parking facilities and enhanced the green space and public realm for the wider community. The scheme has also been shortlisted for a national housing award due to be announced in September.

Commenting on the development, Councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Housing West Lancashire Borough Council, said: "The Fairlie development stands as a testament to the Council's commitment to building the affordable, much-needed, quality homes which our residents deserve."
"This latest scheme offers a diverse range of housing options, including the first Rent to Buy housing initiative undertaken by the Council, contributing to the strength, diversity and unity of our neighbourhoods. We look forward to the first tenants moving in and the completion of the site next year."

Ashley Dalton MP for West Lancashire added: “It’s so exciting to see Tawd Valley Developments, a West Lancashire Borough Council company, blazing a trail with innovative ways to deliver affordable housing for local people. There is huge demand for affordable, high-quality homes especially given the cost-of-living crisis and the huge rise in interest rates. These seven homes in Skelmersdale mark the next development of our new town and point to its bright future”.

Fairlie is the latest in a number of developments delivered by TVD for its shareholder, West Lancashire Borough Council. The latest project completion follows the recent successful completion of thirteen new homes at Eskbank, Brierfield (17 homes), and 14 homes at Fairstead next door to Fairlie. Other developments at Westhead (10) and Northfield (27) have also recently completed.

The £8m development is being constructed by contractor Whitfield & Brown, with John McCall Architects the scheme’s designer and ARP Associates providing civil and structural engineering advice. Work is expected to conclude across a number of phases, the first at the end of July, with the final phase completed in 2024.