A sod cutting ceremony has taken place to mark the start of construction for the development of much needed affordable new homes in a County Durham village.
The scheme, at Primrose Crescent in Bournmoor near Chester-le-Street, will see 14 new two-bedroom homes delivered by local housing provider Cestria Community Housing, with funding from the Affordable Homes Guarantees programme.
The new development compliments Cestria Community Housing’s £2m worth of investment already made in the area, which has included external improvements such as fencing and creating off-street parking to 220 properties.
Primrose Crescent is Cestria’s second new build affordable housing project and is the next stage of regeneration for Bournmoor.
Each energy efficient home will be designed to the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 and will include energy and environmental features such as rainwater harvesting, improved insulation in walls, windows and the roof and recycling waste management measures. These homes have been designed to provide modern, contemporary living and will also include car parking, private gardens and a courtyard-style garden.
The scheme received a grant allocation of £210,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Affordable Homes Guarantees Programme and will be developed by construction partner, Galliford Try Partnerships North.
Paul Fiddaman, Chief Executive of Cestria Community Housing, said: “We are delighted to see work commencing on site in Bournmoor. This is our second new build development project since the completion of 22 two bedroom bungalows at Crossleas in Sacriston and our next development of 24 two-bedroom homes at The Green in Nettlesworth. In addition to investing in our current properties in the area, this development supports our overall growth strategy and will provide much-needed, high-quality affordable homes for local people that meet their needs now and in the future and I look forward to helping to unveil these exciting new homes in the future.”
Karen Anderson, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “It is great to see the Primrose Crescent development starting on site in Bournmoor; this is one of the first schemes in the North East to get underway under our Affordable Homes Guarantees Programme and once finished I am sure that the tenants will be really happy with their new homes.”
Stephen McCoy, Managing Director with Galliford Try Partnerships North, said: “This is a great scheme to which we can bring much experience and we look forward to increasing the availability and choice of affordable homes in the area.”
It is expected that the development will be completed by autumn 2014.