Waverley Borough Council tackles homelessness with four new flats in Godalming

Waverley Borough Council has officially taken ownership of four newly built one-bedroom flats at Aarons Hill in Godalming, offering essential accommodation to help reduce homelessness in the borough.

The council is dedicated to providing high-quality social housing that local residents can afford. These four new flats have been allocated to individuals who were previously homeless, giving them secure and stable homes for the future. The council’s Outreach team will provide the new tenants with ongoing support to help them adjust and move on with their lives.

Constructed by Ermine Construction on brownfield land that was once used for garages, the development was funded by Waverley Borough Council with support from Homes England through the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme.

In line with its commitment to tackling the climate emergency, the council ensured that the new flats were built using sustainable construction methods that minimise environmental impact. Each flat features high insulation, air source heat pumps, and solar panels, providing renewable energy and hot water. These energy-efficient measures result in net-zero carbon emissions and an EPC rating of A, reducing both environmental impact and heating costs for residents.

Each flat also includes private garden space and a shed with a metal loop for securing bicycles.

Beyond constructing the flats, Ermine Construction has engaged with the local community, volunteering for several projects in Aarons Hill and Ockford Ridge. These include landscaping at St. Mark’s School and Eashing Cemetery, installing communal rotary dryers at Stone Pit Close, and delivering educational talks to local schoolchildren about bridge building and skyscrapers.

Councillor Janet Crowe, Waverley Borough Council Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Delivery) said:

“We are one of the few local councils that remain committed to building our own housing stock, and this wonderful new development offers a brighter future to some of our most vulnerable residents.

“Homelessness has a profound impact, affecting physical health, mental wellbeing, and safety. By providing stable homes like these, we can help people access healthcare, employment, and the social support they need to break free from the cycle of poverty.
 

“I’m incredibly grateful to Homes England for their financial support and to Ermine Construction for their excellent work in building these environmentally friendly homes. Building affordable housing is about much more than constructing buildings; it’s about offering hope to people who have long felt overlooked.”

Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England said

“As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives.
 

“The government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme enables us to provide homes for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, to make sure everyone has a place they’re proud to call home.”

ENDS