Vistry and Housing Plus Group Partner on 398 Affordable Homes at Former Rugeley Power Station
Vistry, the UK-based mixed-tenure homebuilder, has signed contracts with Housing Plus Group to deliver 398 affordable homes at the former Rugeley Power Station site in Staffordshire, the company announced June 8, 2026. The agreement follows the receipt of planning permission to begin work on the first 547 homes, a spine road, and associated public open space on the 139-hectare development.
Project Overview
The former Rugeley Power Station, a coal-fired facility that ceased operations in 2016, has already undergone demolition and remediation works. With planning consent now secured for the opening phase, Vistry said construction on the first 547 dwellings, spine road, public open space, and sustainable drainage measures is expected to begin within weeks.
The broader masterplan envisions approximately 2,000 homes across a mix of tenures, including affordable homes, private rented sector (PRS) homes, and open-market for-sale homes. The development also includes plans for an all-through school, a riverside park, and space for commercial use.
The 398 affordable homes contracted with Housing Plus Group represent a portion of the first phase. The precise tenure breakdown of the 398 affordable homes — specifically the split between social rent and other affordable products — was not disclosed in the announcement.
Quotes from Vistry and Housing Plus Group Leadership
Michael Moore, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said the partnership with Housing Plus Group represents a turning point for the site. "Our partnership with Housing Plus Group to deliver 398 affordable homes is a major step forward for the regeneration of the former Rugeley Power Station site," Moore said. "Alongside securing planning permission for the first phase, it means we can now move ahead with confidence and begin creating a high-quality new community for Rugeley. Like many areas of the UK, the town has a severe shortage of housing, and this development will help address that need by delivering affordable and social rent homes, as well as PRS and open market homes, at pace."
David Hall, Executive Director of Investment and Growth at Housing Plus Group, described the agreement as a milestone in the organisation's development programme. "Delivering almost 400 new affordable homes marks a key moment in our partnership with Vistry and in the delivery of our development programme as we continue to create places people are proud to call home," Hall said. "This exciting strategic site is a key element of growing our provision of high-quality affordable homes. As a place-based leader, we are committed to delivering for our customers and communities in Staffordshire."
Context
The former Rugeley Power Station site's 139-hectare footprint has already undergone demolition and remediation works, and planning consent has been secured for the first phase. Vistry describes its business model as centred on mixed-tenure delivery, combining affordable, PRS, and open-market homes. The Rugeley scheme fits that model: the 398 affordable homes contracted with Housing Plus Group will sit alongside PRS and for-sale units within the same masterplan.
Phase One and Next Steps
Vistry said work on the first 547 dwellings, the spine road, and associated public open space and sustainable drainage measures is expected to start in the coming weeks. The phasing schedule for the remaining homes in the approximately 2,000-home masterplan was not disclosed in the announcement.
Details on public subsidy, grant funding, or Homes England involvement in the affordable tranche were not included in the announcement.
Sources
Vistry press release, June 8, 2026: https://www.vistry.co.uk/media/press-releases/2026/vistry-and-housing-plus-group-partner-on-398-affordable-homes-at-former-rugeley-power-station