Aster Group bolsters senior development team

Aster Group, the ethical housing developer, has announced a series of senior appointments in a reshaping and strengthening of its development team.

The move is part of its plans to invest £1.5bn in new homes between now and 2024 in the group’s most ambitious ever housebuilding programme.

Jane Gallifent, previously part of the development team at Clarion Housing Group, has joined as director of development and sales.

Her remit will include helping to oversee partnership relationships, including the group’s housing joint venture with Galliford Try.

She will also lead the delivery of a record 1,100 homes during 2017/18 as part of Aster’s focus on land-led opportunities across the South of England as it seeks to increase the number of houses it builds each year.

Meanwhile, Gerald Choat has been appointed assistant director of land and planning, joining from the planning and development team at Savills. He also has experience from roles with housebuilders Persimmon, Bellway and Story Homes.

A number of internal appointments have also been made as part of the team’s reshaping.

Amy Nettleton, previously head of sales and marketing, has been promoted to assistant director of sales and marketing and Hannah Watkins, who previously covered the eastern part of Aster’s patch, has been appointed assistant director of development.

Finally, Tony Clifford, previously quality and innovation manager, has been appointed assistant director of technical and construction.

Amanda Williams, group development director of Aster, said: “This is a significant investment by the group in our senior team which reflects how our development partners and the wider industry operate.

“Jane brings with her valuable experience of playing a leading role in major development programmes across the sector and working closely with housebuilding partners, while Gerald provides strategic sector insight from his time at Savills.

“Having built a record number of homes last year, we are firmly on track to meet our ambitious targets and remain committed to playing our part in tackling the UK housing crisis.”

In its last published financial year (ending March 2016), Aster reported a 20 per cent rise in pre-tax profit to £34m on turnover up 2.3 per cent to £179m.

The group builds a wide range of houses across the south of England, including properties available via open market sale, shared ownership and affordable rent.