Families at Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association’s new development in Walgrave enjoyed a traditional spring celebration to mark the completion of a new community-led affordable housing development.
Year 6 pupils from Walgrave Primary School treated residents and representatives from key partners including local developer Whiterock Homes, Orbit, Daventry District Council and Walgrave Parish Council, to a colourful display of maypole dancing, followed by coffee and cakes and an opportunity to view one of the brand new homes.
The community event celebrated the completion of the 10 new homes at Gamekeepers Way and Pheasant Drive in the village, with six for affordable rent and four homes for local market sale. This is the first cross-subsidy scheme of its kind in the Daventry area, where any surpluses generated from the four homes for local market sale are being used to subsidise the six affordable properties.
The homes have all been built for people with a local connection to Walgrave, either through home or work. They were completed earlier this year adjacent to NRHA’s hugely successful initial development of 11 affordable properties at Poachers Close.
Funding was awarded by Daventry District Council after the scheme was identified as meeting local housing need.
Resident Kevin Boulton, who has moved into one of properties for affordable rent with his partner, Latesha, and their three young children, says the development has enabled the couple to raise their family in the village where Kevin himself grew up and where they have many family and friends.
The couple had worried that property prices in the area would force them out of the village they know and love.
Kevin said: “We were living in a nice house in Walgrave but it was only two bedroom and we felt we needed to look for something a bit bigger as our family grew. Staying in Walgrave was critical for us as we have a huge support network here.
“When we were offered one of the properties for affordable rent, we were absolutely delighted. We’ve got a really nice garden, plenty of living space and three bedrooms, which will be just right for us all. We really love it here.”
Richard Mugglestone, Company Secretary of Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association, commented: “We’re delighted to have brought these much-needed affordable local homes for local people to Walgrave. Our Spring event led by Walgrave pupils proved a fitting celebration for this real community development.”
