More families in Runnymede waiting for social housing will have a new home next year, after the Council committed to buy 13 new properties at a development site in Egham.
The multi-million pound investment will see the Council buy 10 one- and two-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom terraced houses at the Cala Homes’ Maple Croft development.
The homes are still being built, but when finished in early 2026 they will be let at affordable rents to people on the Council’s housing register, prioritising those with a strong local connection to Runnymede — people who have lived in the borough for the last three years or have a work connection here.
They will be owned, managed and maintained directly by the Council, ensuring they remain a long-term asset for the community.
The new energy efficient properties are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points to help tenants live more sustainably.
Cllr Mike Smith, Chair of the Housing Committee, said: “Securing more affordable homes is one of the most important things we can do for our residents. Too many local people are priced out of the housing market, and the Council has a responsibility to step in where it can. These homes will provide safe and modern places to live, but more than that, they will give people the stability to put down roots, plan for their futures and feel part of their community.
“This scheme demonstrates our commitment to using our resources wisely and making decisions that benefit people today, while also leaving a positive legacy for the generations that follow. This is just one example of the work we are doing to address local housing need and create a fairer, more sustainable borough.”
Cllr Robert King, Co-Leader of Runnymede Borough Council added:
“I’m proud that this will be our first site delivering on the Council’s promise to provide new affordable homes specifically for local people — those who have lived in the borough for the last three years or have a work connection here. It’s especially pleasing that the new houses and flats will have such impressive energy-saving and environmentally friendly features, helping to keep energy bills down for future residents while reducing our wider impact on the environment.”
The homes form part of Cala Homes’ Maple Croft development, at the former Kerry Foods site, where the Council has secured these affordable properties as part of its ongoing work to tackle housing need.
Freddie Webber, Managing Director at Cala Homes (Thames), said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Runnymede Borough Council to deliver high-quality affordable housing in Egham. Construction is now under way on the 13 new homes, which we look forward to handing over to the Council in spring 2026, ready for residents to make their own.
“Our commitment to the local community goes beyond building homes. Through our Community Pledge, we’re pleased to continue supporting the charities and organisations that matter most to Egham residents.”
This investment is being made through the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA). By reinvesting this money, the Council is able to deliver more high-quality, affordable homes without calling on Council Tax.
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