THE Forest of Dean District Council has named the developer that will deliver nearly 100 new homes over a two year period in the next stage of Cinderford's regeneration.

Kier Partnership Homes has been selected by the council and its partners, Cinderford Town Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to build 99 environmentally sustainable homes on the site of the council-owned Ensors abattoir in Valley Road.

The proposed homes range from one bedroom flats for rent to four bedroom houses to buy.

The project is part of the partners' wider plans to regenerate Cinderford by delivering new and affordable homes, jobs and improved educational facilities in the town.

The HCA has supported the project by providing the council with a £2m investment which enabled it to acquire the Ensor's site and support the company's relocation to new premises in Valley Road Industrial Park. This move will help safeguard around 130 local jobs. 

Kier's bid also included a commitment to working with local suppliers and providing local employment and training benefits during the life of the project. Ten apprentice positions and one man­­age­ment trainee role will be created.  

HCA area manager Greg Morgan said: "This is the latest step in the regeneration of Cinderford, which stands to benefit from a range of measures to bring new homes, jobs and improved education to the town."