A NEW affordable housing development in Berry Hill has been welcomed as a boost for families and communities across the Forest of Dean, with 37 new homes.

The scheme, delivered by Two Rivers Housing, was visited last week by Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop, who met staff and partners involved in bringing the project to fruition.

The development includes homes available for affordable rent as well as Shared Ownership, aimed at helping local people remain in the communities where they grew up.

Two Rivers Housing said the new homes respond to a “desperate need” for affordable housing both in the Forest of Dean and across Gloucestershire, with demand continuing to outstrip supply.

The housing association said it was proud to be playing a role in addressing that challenge through developments that support long-term, sustainable communities.

In a statement following the visit, Two Rivers Housing said: “There is a desperate need for more affordable homes in the Forest of Dean and across Gloucestershire and we are proud to be playing a part in building homes that help keep families in the communities they grew up in.”

The association also thanked everyone involved in delivering the scheme and welcomed the families who have moved in ahead of the festive period, describing it as a “huge welcome” for residents settling into their new homes.

Mr Bishop praised the project as an example of what can be achieved when housing providers, local partners and government priorities align. He said the delivery of 37 new affordable homes demonstrated the importance of partnership working in meeting local housing needs.

The Forest of Dean MP also linked the Berry Hill development to the government’s wider commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes nationally, saying local schemes such as this play a vital role in turning that ambition into reality on the ground.

“These developments will provide much-needed affordable homes for local people, available to rent or through Shared Ownership,” he said, adding that the scheme showed how “thoughtful development can support thriving, sustainable communities”.

Mr Bishop said access to a secure home underpins wider health and wellbeing outcomes for residents and families. He added: “A warm, safe, affordable home is the foundation of a healthy and happy life, and it’s great to see that vision becoming a reality here in the Forest of Dean.”

Affordable housing remains a key issue locally, with many residents priced out of the open market due to rising house prices and rental costs.

Housing providers and councils have repeatedly highlighted the importance of delivering genuinely affordable homes to support young families, key workers and those with local connections.

Developments such as the Berry Hill scheme are designed to balance the need for new housing with the character of existing communities, ensuring homes are well-integrated and supported by appropriate infrastructure.

Two Rivers Housing said it remains committed to working with partners to deliver further affordable homes across the district, helping to ensure that local people are not forced to move away from the region.