FCHO joins JV North to build more much-needed new homes

First Choice Homes Oldham FCHO has joined a regional housebuilding consortium to capitalise on the government’s upcoming Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP).

FCHO becomes the 15th member of JV North as the housing association embarks on a new four-year development strategy to increase its 11,500 strong housing stock to more than 12,000.

Membership also gives the housing association access to local developers and consultants to help it achieve its house building ambitions.

FCHO will look to deliver 60% of its properties at social rent through innovative design and building the right houses in the right locations with assistance from SAHP. It plans to kick start its newbuild programme with a flagship 147-home development at Southlink next year, subject to planning permission.

FCHO Director of Development and Asset Strategy Kat Kitchener, said: “Our mission is to construct affordable high-quality sustainable homes to meet our communities’ needs through mixed tenure, place-based design and varied housing options, including much-needed family homes.

“As we gear up to put spades in the ground, we believe JV North can support our development ambitions with access to the good-quality local contractors and consultants we need alongside a consortium-based approach to access the new social and affordable homes programme (SAHP) programme.

“It also provides the opportunity to collaborate with peers and share insight and expertise as we work together to tackle the chronic housing shortage.”

JV North Chair John Bowker added: “First Choice Homes Oldham is a great fit for the consortium as it has an ambitious house building programme and all our members benefit when we work in close partnership with like-minded organisations willing to collaborate so we can build more homes.”

Becoming a full member gives FCHO a seat on JV North’s decision-making Board, supported by the consortium’s programme management consultancy Saffer Cooper.