Leaf Living buys 70 homes in South Marston, part of Vistry’s new 137-house development near Swindon.
Vistry bought the land near Swindon in 2024. They planned 137 houses near Old Vicarage Lane. They already got permission for this. Cottsway, an affordable housing group, bought 29 homes.
Vistry will sell the other 38 houses. They will sell them on the open market. Leaf Living’s CEO, Will Montague, spoke about the housing crisis. He said we need more rental homes.
He stressed the need for quality management. He also mentioned strong partnerships are crucial. Vistry is building the homes with timber frames. These frames emit less carbon dioxide than brick houses.
The development will include green space. Kids can enjoy a playground there. A community orchard will also be available. Construction should start this year. The first homes should be done by spring 2026.
Supriya Ray from Vistry Cotswolds discussed the Leaf Living partnership. She said it helps them build rental homes. This meets the rising demand and aligns with Vistry’s mixed-tenure plan. They are using Vistry Works for faster, better builds.
South Marston Parish Council objected to the project earlier. They felt the design didn’t fit the area. They worried about infrastructure and village expansion. Swindon Borough Council planners approved the plan anyway.
They stated the layout was practical and made sense. The project is part of a larger scheme. It’s the 8,000 New Eastern Villages expansion.