Representatives from Dorset Council came to see the progress of 15 new affordable homes being built as part of a community owned development in Drimpton.
Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety, and Andrew Billany, Director of Housing at Dorset Council, visited the site being developed by Abri, one of the south’s largest housing providers.
The new homes have been designed and developed by Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust (BGP CLT) in partnership with Abri. The CLT was established in 2016 to create 15 affordable homes for rent for families with a connection to the local parish area. The CLT acquired the freehold of the 1.5 ha development site and has entered into a long lease with Abri.
C G Fry are undertaking the construction and Abri is managing the build process and will be responsible for the maintenance and management of the tenancies. BGP CLT will benefit from a small income of ground rent from Abri, which will be used to help benefit other community projects within the parish area. Priority for the new sustainable homes will be given to people with close connections to the Broadwindsor Group Parish area.
Councillor Graham Carr-Jones at Dorset Council said: “We know the importance affordable housing plays in allowing local people to remain local and so I’m delighted to see the progress being made as these homes near completion. Dorset Council is working on several affordable schemes which will help to bolster our vision for thriving communities where everyone has a good quality home.”
Andrew Billany, Corporate Director of Housing at Dorset Council said: “Our Housing Strategy actively supports the development of affordable housing and these homes are a great example of collaboration and different parties working together for the benefit of the community.”
The homes are being built with sustainable features including solar panels on all the roofs and air source heat pumps to lower their carbon footprint and reduce energy consumption for residents.
Sam Stone, Associate Director of Land and Planning at Abri said: “Abri is committed to helping strengthen communities and working in partnership with Broadwindsor CLT we’re able to provide a continuous legacy for the community. The CLT will retain long term stewardship of the land so they have homes now and in the future for everyone that comes to live here.”
Sheila Hawkins, Secretary Broadwindsor Group Parish CLT added: “We set up Broadwindsor CLT to respond to the need from local people for affordable homes within the Broadwindsor Group Parish Area. Working together we’ve been able to have an active say in how the homes are designed so they complement the local surroundings and I’m really pleased with how they’re taking shape and can’t wait to see them finished and ready for the community.”
The new development has received funding from Dorset Council, Homes England and Abri to help build the one-bedroom flats, two and three-bedroom houses and two-bedroom bungalows which are expected to be completed by summer 2023.
