First CDA planning application submitted for affordable homes

Vivid Architects have drawn up plans for the scheme

The Church Development Agency (CDA) on behalf of the Church Housing Association (CHA) has submitted its first planning application for new homes at Newbigin House Gardens in Birmingham.

The proposal would deliver 17 new homes and is part of the Church of England’s wider work to unlock land for much-needed social and affordable housing.

“This is a significant step in showing how church land can support the delivery of much needed homes” said Jon Sawyer, Chair of the CDA and Board Member of the CHA. “Ultimately this work is about families and individuals who need safe, secure places to live.

“This is a big milestone for CDA and CHA as it brings forward its first land-led scheme. Together, the organisations aim to combine land, expertise and partnerships to accelerate delivery on the ground.

"The need for housing is rising, and housing supply is in the doldrums. Delivery is woefully below the government’s one and a half million home target, and the consequences of this shortage are felt most sharply by families and communities.”

The Newbigin House Gardens proposal would deliver new homes that are carefully designed to respond to local housing needs while respecting the character of the site and surrounding community.

Proposals are guided by the 5S Design Guide, which focuses on high-quality homes, strong partnerships, and long-term community wellbeing rather than simply maximising housing numbers. This is a great example of a location where the Newbigin Community Trust has already built a strong community network, providing a foundation to help new residents feel part of the community and supported at the right level.

“We’re still at an early stage,” Jon added. “But getting important schemes like this moving is critical. We need to demonstrate delivery and show what’s possible.”

Across the country, the Church of England holds land that could support new housing, often with complex constraints. The CDA works to unlock these opportunities, helping bring forward well-designed homes that serve communities over the long term. This scheme demonstrates how church land can be used for deep social impact creating places where people can put down roots, be welcomed into a strong community network, and access the support they need to thrive.