Council funded development a shining example of affordable and sustainable housing

Cllr Juliet Layton, cabinet member for housing and planning, said the Sunground in Avening shows how the council is delivering on promises to provide sustainable and affordable housing in the district. 

She also praised the work of Cotswold District Council planning officers for helping to ensure high-quality development across the district.  

The Sunground development which includes a group of 14 homes, nine for social rent and five for shared ownership, has earned recognition from two awarding bodies this month. 

The project was part-funded by CDC using S106 funds which the council collects from residential development to support the provision of much needed affordable homes; and delivered by English Rural Housing Association, a registered provider specialising in affordable rural housing delivery. 

The CPRE Gloucestershire called the development “a sensitively designed project that fits well into its surroundings and provides much-needed housing” at its annual awards ceremony. 

Meanwhile the Sunground reached the regional finals of the LABC Building Excellence Awards and is now shortlisted for the national finals in the category of Best Small Social Housing Development. 

The Sunground is being praised for using materials that match the look and feel of the village, whilst also meeting best performance energy efficiency standards. Each home includes air source heat pumps and solar panels to help reduce energy use and lower bills. 

Cllr Juliet Layton, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: 

“I attended the CPRE awards ceremony on October 20 and proudly accepted the award on behalf of the council who have helped to fund this project. This development is a perfect example of how we’re delivering on our promise to provide affordable housing in the district. 

“We are also continuing to urge that the development of homes should be carbon neutral in their build and fuel efficient in their use. I’m pleased to see this development has carefully considered this requirement.”   

Three other council projects have also been shortlisted for LABC (Local Authority Building Control) national awards after being recognised as regional winners: 

• Claydon Farm House – Best Residential Extension 

• Cowley Manor – Best Non-residential Extension or Conversion 

• Tapper Lodge – Best Individual New Home 

Cllr Layton added: “We’re pleased that four projects from our district have been recognised as LABC regional winners and shortlisted for the national finals. It’s a real testament to the commitment of our officers who ensure high-quality development across the Cotswolds.” 

The LABC Grand Finals will be held in January 2026, celebrating the best building projects in England and Wales.