Twelve years after its creation, a suite of underpinning strategies and Rural Homes (SARH) that have also been refreshed to - Deliver long life and low energy is at an exciting stage of its ensure they remain relevant and new homes which incorporate journey as a leading housing aligned with the plan and its innovative technologies association in the Midlands. objectives and targets. - Secure external funding to assist In 2016, having successfully The refreshed Development Strategy SARH to deliver at least 300 new delivered all the promises set out in builds on the five aims within the affordable homes the transfer agreement, and having original strategy and continues to provide the strategic roadmap that implemented a strategy to mitigate The Development Strategy has been ensures SARH operates a joined-up the effects of the government compiled to complement and inform and focused development imposed 1% rent cuts, SARH SARH strategic objectives. It sets out programme. launched its new Corporate Plan priorities, not only to build homes, 2016-21 “Delivering in a Changing but also meet the aspiration of World”. The five targets are: customers by building homes which current and future generations will be In 2018, the Board of SARH - Build or acquire 900 new affordable proud of. reviewed progress against the plan homes between 2016 -2021 and made amendments to acknowledge changes in the - Secure or develop 30 new homes operating environment and to reflect for market sale through County Town the Board’s desire to stretch targets Homes on service delivery and development.

- All new developments deliver value The Development Strategy is one of for money and create social value

2 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018-2021 Since 2009 SARH has built or The foundation these new homes programme. A number of new roles acquired over 700 new homes in have been built on is successful have been created in the team to Stafford Borough’s rural and partnership arrangements. Great achieve the stretch target of 900 town centre communities. efforts have been made in forging new homes between 2016 -2021. These new homes include exemplar strong links with Local Authority rural developments in , partners, key local and national During 2018 The SARH Board , Meir Heath and Hixon. developers, and strategically placed approved the development of new consultants and agents. homes outside Stafford Borough. New flagship town centre SARH has identified three strategic developments in Stafford and Stone These partners have supported growth areas in which it may build have been completed at William SARH in establishing a growing new homes during the life of the Horton Court, Friars Terrace and reputation as a reliable refreshed Corporate Plan. Priory Road. Much needed development partner and investor in regeneration projects have also the communities in which SARH lifted communities at Hesketh Road, operates. West Way and Exeter Street.

SARH have also secured a number SARH continues to deliver its of section 106 opportunities with development programme through key house building partners to its Development Team which was deliver a mix of affordable homes in established in January 2015. This Stafford, Great Haywood, team has driven SARH’s and Stone. development programme forward, to support SARH’s growing

3 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018-2021 • Continually review and assess Build or acquire housing need 900 new affordable homes between • Build or acquire new homes in 2016 -2021 SARH rural communities, town centre locations and key SARH strategic growth areas

• Ensure all Shared Ownership properties are sold within a 6 month period

• Explore opportunities to develop SARH existing assets to build new homes

4 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018-2021 • Commence County Town Homes first market sale development

Secure or develop 30 • Develop a pipeline of market sale new homes for market sites sale through County Town Homes • Forge new partnerships with developers with a track record in delivering high quality market sale products

• Use surpluses from commercial activities to support the construction of new affordable homes

5 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018-2021 • Ensure 30% of all employees and sub contractors are from a All new developments postcode for all deliver value for money SARH led developments and create social value • Support one apprentice for every £1m spent on each SARH led development

• Customer satisfaction with new build to exceed 90%

• SAP rating of 82 or above for new build properties

6 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018-2021 Deliver homes which are long life, low energy • Create a housing innovation group and incorporate with key stakeholders innovative technologies • Deliver a pilot construction scheme using modern methods of construction (MMC) and smart and eco technologies

• Create a framework to monitor new technologies installed on development sites

• Identify direct and indirect funding opportunities for housing innovation pilots

7 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018-2021 • Further develop SARH Secure external funding relationship with the Homes to assist SARH to deliver (HE) and explore new at least 300 new partnership arrangements affordable homes • Continue to build on a strong working relationship with Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, local members and Parish Councils

• Forge new partnerships in new Local Authority areas targeted for development

• Work in partnership with developers to deliver affordable and high quality homes

8 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2018-2021