Newlyweds’ new home is just right for Christmas

A couple received an extra special present on their wedding day courtesy of Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes – the news they had been allocated a brand new house.

Abby and Jamie Brunton have been living with Abby’s parents in Stockton and having to share a bedroom with their 18-month-old daughter Lilly.

But now the couple, who got married earlier this month, have moved into a rented two-bedroomed house in College Gardens, Billingham, just in time for Christmas.

Abby, 18, said: “It was the best wedding present ever – we got the news we had been allocated the house the day we got married. It really was the icing on the cake. We could not have achieved our dream of renting a house without the help of both social housing companies.”

Earlier this week Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes became part of the recently formed Vela Group.

Housing Hartlepool, in partnership with Yuill Construction (the contracting division of Yuill Homes), has been responsible for the College Gardens homes being built and Tristar Homes is allocating and managing the properties.

Cath Purdy, Vela Group chief executive, said: “The Brunton family moving into College Gardens is an excellent example of how social housing companies provide much-needed support and affordable homes for local communities. It is essential that people have access to good quality homes that are comfortable, fitted out to the highest specifications and at the same time are economical to run.”

Jamie Brunton, 25, who was recently made redundant from his HGV driver’s job, said: “The house is fantastic. It is spacious, has a garden and is the perfect place to bring up a family. We are looking forward to spending Christmas in a place of our very own.”

The new homes have been delivered as part of Stockton Borough Council’s commitment to providing affordable homes in the borough.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has provided grant funding of £624,000 to support the delivery of the 12 homes, which reach Level Four of the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes.

“With solar panels on the roof and a high level of insulation, these houses are an important step towards greener living – and will provide fantastic new homes for local families like Abby, Jamie and Lilly,” said Anne Mulroy, head of area at the Homes and Communities Agency. “Our role is all about helping housing providers like Vela to make things happen in their own neighbourhoods, and this is a great example of that local approach in action.”

Yuill Construction has built the 12 homes - six two bedroomed and six three bedroomed houses - which will be available to rent.

The properties have all been built to the highest sustainability codes and benefit from being highly insulated and incorporate electricity producing solar panels making them very economical to run. The eco-friendly design and technology will help to ensure the properties are energy-efficient - resulting in reduced fuel bills for residents.

David Mullins, managing director of Yuill, said: “We are committed to delivering and establishing successful communities and are delighted that, through partnership working with Housing Hartlepool, we are able to provide high quality modern homes which will help meet the need for new housing in the local area.”

The £1.6 million Housing Hartlepool scheme forms part of the wider College Gardens site being developed by Yuill Homes with the affordable rented homes being built alongside those for sale.