Dorset-based AJC Group has broken ground on a brand-new affordable housing development in Hythe, right in the heart of the New Forest.
The new homes are being delivered on behalf of the New Forest District Council (NFDC) and will provide a crucial boost to local housing needs.
The wholly affordable site will eventually see the creation of 22 high-quality homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two- and three-bedroom homes.
David Cracklen, Director at AJC Group, said: “We’re pleased to be commencing construction at this key housing site in Hythe, our second live affordable development in The New Forest. These homes will help to fill a gap in the social housing offering. We know that the New Forest area is crying out for more affordable housing, and we’re proud to be part of the solution.
“This development is very much part of our mission to build 500 new affordable homes in the next five years, and it is encouraging to see the New Forest District Council adopt such a forward-thinking approach, in order to provide an opportunity for local people to own a home in this area of Hampshire which they have previously been priced out of.”
District Councillor and Housing Portfolio Holder Steve Davies, said: “After a rigorous and competitive process AJC Group has been selected to build this scheme for us; our third development to meet the full Future Homes Standard. It’s great that work has started, and I look forward to seeing the homes taking shape over the coming months”.
The £6.8m scheme has been made possible thanks to capital funding from the District Council, Homes England, and the Brownfield Land Release Fund. The homes will be energy-efficient and have been sensitively designed to be in keeping with the local area, as well as creating an attractive street scene to complement the existing properties surrounding the site.
And it’s not just about bricks and mortar; the development will also boast a new green public space, complete with a play area and plenty of new planting to enhance and protect the local wildlife.
