WORK STARTS ON 16 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR LUDHAM

Work has started on 16 new affordable homes in Ludham, to replace a development of ageing bedsits, many of which had stood vacant for some time.

John Archibald, chief executive of Victory Housing Trust, cut the first sod at the site at School Close in the village, to mark the beginning of the £1.7 million project to construct the new homes, which will be made available for affordable rental.

Six one-bed bungalows, four one-bed flats, five two-bed houses, and a two-bed wheelchair-accessible bungalow will be built on the site, following the demolition of the former sheltered scheme, which was made up of 17 cramped and ageing bedsits, many of which had stood empty for months.

"We are transforming what was a very tired an unsuitable set of accommodation into brand new, energy-efficient affordable homes for local people," said Mr Archibald.

"We recognise that the need for affordable housing in villages is every bit as pressing as it is in our market towns, and this development at Ludham demonstrates that we are committed to building new affordable homes wherever they are needed."

Victory Housing Trust pledged in 2013 to build 1,000 new affordable homes by 2023.  Since that promise, it has already delivered 259 new homes, with a further 195 currently being built

"The target of 1,000 new homes was always going to be ambitious, but we are ahead of target, and determined to deliver on that promise.  Only by delivering good quality new homes can we start to make inroads into the significant housing need in this area."

The new homes at Ludham are due to be completed in spring 2016.  They are being built by EN Suiter &Sons.