Victory hands over its 100th new affordable home of 2014
The keys to the 100th new affordable home built by Victory this year have been handed over – one of 12 new homes which have been built in the north Norfolk village of Blakeney.
The landmark means that Victory is on track to meet its promise of building 1,000 new affordable homes over a ten year period to March 2023, and signifies the completion of a £863,000 investment by the Trust in the village.
The 12 new homes in Blakeney come as Victory announces it has signed the contract on a £3 million plus investment to build 40 new affordable homes in Wells.
Moving into Victory’s 100th new home of 2014 was Jade Gomer, who works at the Kings Arms pub in Blakeney, and who previously had to walk to and from work from accommodation in Wiveton.
“It is very difficult to find somewhere to live in Blakeney, both because of the cost and availability,” said Ms Gomer, who received the keys to her one bed flat from Victory chairman Clare Barter. “It is a lot nicer to have your own space, and not to have that long walk to and from work.”
The homes at Blakeney form half of a development on Langham Road by Hill Partnership, with the other 12 homes being made available for private sale.
The site was allocated in 2011 by North Norfolk District Council as being suitable for residential development, to help support rural sustainability in the village.
Nine of the new homes (four 1-bed flats, two 2-bed flats, two 2-bed bungalows and one 4-bed house) have been allocated for affordable rent, whilst the other three properties (two 3-bed houses and one 2-bed house) are being made available for shared ownership.
Victory chairman Clare Barter said, “We have made a commitment to invest in as many new affordable homes as we can in the north of Norfolk, and that is particularly important in places like Blakeney, where affordable housing is a key factor in making the local community and the local economy sustainable.
“There was no government grant funding available for this site, so Victory has met the entire cost of these new homes. Importantly, we have ensured that they meet modern standards of thermal comfort and energy efficiency, which is a major factor in affordability in these times of rising energy costs.
“This site presented particular difficulties due to the special landscape character of the area, and Hill Partnership are to be congratulated on their designs, which have paid great attention to the local vernacular, with the use of flint feature walls and gables.”