St Stephen’s, Gloucester

St Stephen’s vicarage in Gloucester had been vacant since 2009, following the retirement of the vicar and the merger of St Stephen’s and St Paul’s parishes. The 0.25-hectare site became a target for fly-tipping and vandalism, prompting the diocese of Gloucester to explore redevelopment options. Given Gloucester’s pressing need for affordable housing, the site presented a valuable opportunity for community benefit.

Housing Justice’s Faith in Affordable Housing initiative brought together the Diocese, Gloucester City Council, and Rooftop Housing Group to develop a mixed affordable housing scheme.

The plan included 9 one-bedroom flats for young care leavers, 1 three-bedroom move-on home, 2 three-bedroom affordable rented homes, 2 one-bedroom shared ownership homes and a new vicarage on retained land.

The project began when diocesan secretary Ben Preece Smith learned about the Faith in Affordable Housing initiative and contacted Housing Justice. They sent Tracey Bessant who played a pivotal role, guiding the Diocese through the process, identifying Rooftop Housing Group as a suitable partner, and helping secure Charity Commission approval for a below-market-value land lease due to the scheme’s social benefits.

In January 2012, a 125-year lease was agreed for the majority of the site. Planning permission was granted in February 2013. Rooftop appointed Markey Construction, a local SME builder, to carry out the demolition and construction. The project also included a three-year apprenticeship for a local young person supported by Rooftop and Gloucestershire College. 

The homes were completed and occupied in 2014.

- Rooftop paid £75,000 for the lease upfront and funded the new vicarage

- Total project cost: £1.7 million

- Gloucester City Council contributed £300,000

- Homes and Community Agency granted £165,000

Key to the project’s success were leadership from Tracey Bessant and Ben Preece Smith, along with Rooftop’s experience. The Charity Commission’s approval for below-market land disposal was crucial. Planning challenges were addressed by setting homes back 15m from the road and preserving mature trees, which created a small public green space. Strong communication and professionalism ensured good relations with neighbours throughout the construction period.

- Nine care leavers received supported housing

- Three family homes and two shared ownership units were delivered

- The diocese gained a modern, efficient vicarage and rental income to support ministry

Read the full story here

Photo credits: Jonathan Tame

This case study is based on two earlier ones published by Housing Justice and the Centre for Theology and Community