FIRST TENANT MOVES INTO DEVELOPMENT OF 12 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES IN EDGEFIELD

The first tenant has moved into a new development of 12 affordable homes in Edgefield, near Holt – homes for which priority will be given to local people.

Paul Dawson received his keys from Michael Newey, chief executive of Broadland Housing Association, and Liz Ley, director of contractor Wellington, which has built the new homes in partnership with Broadland Housing.

The 12 new affordable homes have been built on Holt Road on the northern edge of the village, along with ten open market homes, as part of a £3.6 million project which will provide nine new homes for affordable rent and three for shared ownership.

Retired electrical engineer Mr Dawson, 57, who has a number of health issues, was previously living in a very damp privately-rented house in Briston, a situation which was aggravating his illness.  He has moved into a one-bedroom bungalow at the Edgefield site.

“I am so lucky to be moving here, this is a fabulous home,” said Mr Dawson.  “It’s the exact opposite of where I was living – modern, well-designed, and stylish.  The setting is wonderful, I look out from my garden over a green space.”

Handing over the keys, Mr Newey said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Wellington to provide local people in and around Edgefield with the opportunity to live locally, both through homes for affordable rental, and by giving people the opportunity to get on the housing ladder with three shared ownership properties. 

“There is a pressing need for new, affordable homes in villages across Norfolk, and it is great to be able to deliver them here in Edgefield.”

The new homes have been built by Lowestoft-based contractor Wellington, which has a long track record of delivering affordable homes for housing associations and local authorities in the region.

“We are very pleased to be working once again with Broadland on this mixed tenure scheme, which includes some stunning properties with wonderful views over the north Norfolk countryside,” said Ms Ley.

“As a locally-based firm, we take great pride in building top quality affordable homes in the region.  Not only does it provide much-needed homes for local people, but it creates local employment as well.”

The nine homes for affordable rent include four one-bedroom homes, four two-bedroom homes and one three-bedroom homes.  The shared ownership homes are made up of two two-bedroom homes and one three-bedroom home.