New Homes Open at Hazelbury Bryan, North Dorset
SIX New Homes have opened in Hazelbury Bryan providing homes for local people to rent.
Cllr Mervyn Jeffery of North Dorset District Council joined Signpost Housing Association Chairman, Ian Keys, to officially open the scheme by planting a tree in an area of green space in the centre of the development.
Cllr Jeffery said, “North Dorset District Council has around 1,000 applicants for affordable housing. Schemes such as Pidney Green help to provide much needed homes in the local area. Over the next 5-6 years North Dorset District Council will be supporting the provision of around 700 new affordable homes.”
Ian Keys, Chairman of Signpost Housing Association added, “Our roots are in North Dorset and we are very proud that we have been able to provide a further six homes in the District for local families. Our parent company - Spectrum Housing Group – is committed to providing quality housing and this remains our commitment despite current uncertainty around the availability of grant funding for future schemes following the Government’s announcement to cut public spending.
“However, despite this uncertainty we will continue to be innovative in our approaches to access funding to provide much-needed housing. The development of homes is not just about the bricks and mortar it’s about the jobs it creates and the training it provides – local employment helps to create sustainable communities with money being spent in the locality. With house prices still at high levels the provision of affordable housing also enables people, who may not be in a position to buy on the open market, to live in their local town or village close to family and friends.”
Jane and Jonathan King, Residents at Pidney Green said, “We have family in the village so Pidney Green is perfect for us. We’ve been waiting for a 3-bedroom property for a while and we are so pleased with our new home. The design of the development means that our children will be able to play safely outdoors. They will also be attending the local school.”
Pidney Green would not be possible without the financial support from the Homes and Communities Agency who provided funding of £390,000, a further £120,000, through recycled capital grant, was also provided with the remainder being financed through Signpost’s sister company, Western Challenge Housing Association. The total scheme cost was £870,000.
The building contractor for the scheme was Parsons and Joyce of Poole, the architects were Western Design of Tarrant Hinton and the employers agent was McNaughts of Poole.
Representatives from the Parish Council, Residents, Staff, Board Members and the project team attended the opening.
Lettings to the properties have been made through North Dorset District Council’s Choice Based Lettings System.
Ends: with photo of Mr and Mrs King and the tree planting ceremony .