The Shadow Housing Minister and Labour candidate seeking re-election, Emma Reynolds, today visited a housing development that is protected by NHBC’s 10-year Buildmark warranty. The development will provide a selection of 217 homes when complete, 25% of which will be affordable.

Ms Reynolds, the Labour candidate for Wolverhampton North East, who was elected as the MP for the constituency in 2010 and is Shadow Housing Minister, met with representatives from NHBC and the developers, Taylor Wimpey, at their Wards Bridge Gardens site in Wednesfield. The development will provide a selection of two, three and four-bedroom homes and will be traditional in design and in keeping with surrounding residential areas. The site is conveniently located close to Wednesfield town centre, with excellent commuter links.

The event was organised by NHBC, the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, to highlight its risk management processes and to show the Parliamentary candidate a prime example of new homes that meet current building regulations. NHBC figures show that housing starts have been low in Wolverhampton North East, with 104 homes started in 2012. This decreased to 92 homes started in 2013, but then recovered to 128 last year (subject to adjustments). New homes started in Wolverhampton North East have been behind the UK constituency average over the last couple of years.

Commenting on the visit, Ms Reynolds said: “I am delighted to have visited this new development in Wednesfield, in the constituency I have represented since 2010. As Shadow Housing Minister increasing house building has been a major priority. If Labour win the general election we have pledged to get 200,000 homes a year built by 2020. I am pleased that 25% of the homes on this site are earmarked as affordable to ensure that more people in Wolverhampton are able to achieve the dream of owning their own home. I want to congratulate Taylor Wimpey and Wolverhampton City Council for working together to make this development a reality.”

Lewis Sidnick, NHBC’s Head of Corporate and External Affairs said: “We’re delighted to be able to show Emma Reynolds first-hand how we are supporting builders to construct high quality new homes in Wolverhampton North East. As supply grows to meet the growing need for housing, it is vital that we continue to deliver high standards on-site and we will continue to work with the industry and all political parties to ensure that the build quality of new homes in the UK remains high.”