A development of 13 affordable homes in Chribury is now complete and tenants are busy moving into their new homes.
The development, named The Orchard, was officially opened last week (Wednesday 24 September 2025) by Jonathan Clive, chairman of Powis Estates, and Councillor Heather Kidd, leader of Shropshire Council, local councillor for Chirbury and Worthen and member of Shropshire Rural Housing Association’s board.
Click on this image to see the official opening of The Orchard in Chirbury.
Passionate about the need for more affordable homes for local people, Heather Kidd has been a key driving force behind a partnership approach to deliver these homes.
The partnership, which includes Shropshire Council, Housing Enabling, Shropshire Rural Housing Association and landowners Powis Estates, together with agents acting for Shropshire Rural, have been working closely together over the last six years to realise this exemplar scheme.
Built by local building company, SJ Roberts, the homes are not only affordable, but they also exceed Nationally Described Space Standards with their sensitive design and use of materials.
Jessica Broomfield, a proud tenant of one of the homes, said:
“We got the keys to this fantastic house on 22 September. We are so excited to move in. My mother-in-law and sister live on the estate next to this one, so that’s really handy and helpful, especially with childcare.
“It’s such a nice location here because my children literally go to school across the road. They’re really happy and excited and we are just so happy and just so grateful to have the opportunity to have a home here.”
Councillor Heather Kidd said:
“This project is exactly what we need to be doing in all rural communities and being a member of Shropshire Rural for more years than I can remember, it’s just delightful for it to finally have happened in my division.
“The most important thing I think about rural housing such as this is it’s about social sustainability, helping our communities to grow and thrive. It’s about having the care from your friends and relatives in the village where you live. It’s actually about delivering childcare, which is so expensive that many families can’t afford it.
“The homes look really great and are in keeping with the rest of the village, but more importantly, our new residents love them and are understandably really excited about moving in.”
