WORK STARTS ON TEN NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE IN WEST BECKHAM

Work has started on the construction of ten new affordable homes for rent on two sites in the north Norfolk village of West Beckham – homes which will be prioritised for people from the village and adjoining parishes.

Representatives from Broadland Housing Association and North Norfolk District Council gathered for a sod-cutting ceremony at one of the sites, on Church Road in the village, directly opposite St Helens & All Saints Church. 

One four-bedroom house, three three-bedroom houses and one two-bedroom house will be constructed on the Church Road site, in the style of a traditional farmhouse and converted barns, set back from the road behind amenity and wildflower areas to create a green opposite the church.

Meanwhile four two-bedroom bungalows and one one-bedroom bungalow will be built at the second site on Sheringham Road in the village, again arranged in the style of a converted farmyard.

All of the new homes will be built to a high environmental standard, with air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and electric charging points all contributing to a ‘B’ EPC rating.

The building of the new affordable homes has been made possible through a partnership between Broadland Housing Association, North Norfolk District Council, and Homes England, as part of a wider package of six Broadland Housing ‘local need exception housing’ schemes across North Norfolk district.

Helping to cut the first sod at the site, Broadland Housing chief executive Michael Newey said, “Right across North Norfolk, villages are in critical need of affordable housing so that local people can live and work in their local communities.

“This is a very good example of a scheme which is delivering exactly those kinds of homes.  What we are building here are two sympathetically sized schemes designed to fit the local aesthetic of the existing village, and energy-efficient so that the impact on the environment is minimised. 

“In the current economic and funding climate it is extremely difficult to deliver new affordable homes, but Broadland remains committed to doing everything we can to build homes to meet that huge local need.”

Cllr Wendy Fredericks, deputy leader of North Norfolk District Council and portfolio holder for housing and people services, added, “I am beyond delighted that we are able to break the ground today on these two amazing high quality affordable housing schemes in West Beckham.

“These two sites have been brought forward by landowners for the good of local people.  We would love to create more opportunities to build homes for local people in this way, and I would appeal to landowners who might be able to give back to their local communities in this way – we would love to hear from you.”

Cllr Callum Ringer, who is the North Norfolk district councillor for West Beckham, said, “I am very pleased that we are able to create homes for ten local families in our village, and so glad that people who were brought up here will have a chance to return – and who would otherwise not be able to live in West Beckham.”

The new homes are being built by Smith of Honingham.  Commercial director Jonathan Smith said, “We are delighted once again to be working in partnership with Broadland Housing, delivering these much needed homes for local people”. 

The new homes on Church Road are due to be completed in spring 2025 and those on Sheringham Road in summer 2025.  They will then be allocated with priority given to those with connections to West Beckham and adjoining villages. 

The homes will be advertised nearer to completion; anyone wishing to apply should visit www.north-norfolk.gov.uk.