Margaret Beckett, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning at the time, visited one of Radian’s award-winning developments in Woolston, after attending a Cabinet Meeting with Gordon Brown in Southampton.

Having viewed the riverside development from the Itchen Bridge, Swaythling resident, Lorna Alsford, welcomed the Minister into her home. Lorna and her partner, Darren Taylor, talked at length with the Minister about the home which they rent, as well as discussing the government’s HomeBuy and Mortgage Rescue schemes.

Mr Taylor said, “I was quite surprised as she was very quietly spoken and very, very nice. She asked lots of questions about our home and we told her how happy we were with the wonderful location and views. We are especially pleased with the amount of space we have and how cost effective it is to keep the place lovely and warm.”

The Minister recognised the many challenges that Radian overcame to build the development on a steeply banked wasteland which used to be prone to vandalism. The development potential was unlocked by using an innovative approach, which included digging the entire site in to secure neighbours’ views, soil nailing to steep slopes rather than concreting, as well as the use of triple glazing. These solutions won the award for ‘Best stand-alone small development’ at the 2008 National Affordable Home Ownership Awards and helped Swaythling to be named ‘Provider of the year’.

“We are extremely pleased that the Minister for Housing has chosen to visit Swaythling Housing Society’s award winning development in Woolston, Southampton. As part of Radian Group, Swaythling Housing Society is at the forefront of developing sustainable local communities and has been doing so in Southampton for over 80 years. The Hill Street development in Woolston is just one example of the innovative ways Radian seeks to provide affordable housing in areas of high demand.” Andrea Smith, Director of Development and New Business for Radian.