The keys to 7 new homes have now been officially handed over at Swanton Novers. Broadland have worked alongside the Swanton Novers Community Land Trust to build these, environmentally friendly homes.
The four bungalows and 3 houses will be made available under a local lettings policy, with priority being given to those in housing need who have a strong connection to the village. The new homes benefit from solar panels, electric car charging points and triple glazed windows.
The development was made possible by the generous donation of the land, by Lord Hastings.
Ian Watson, secretary of the Swanton Novers Community land Trust, said, When we formed the Community Land Trust, we had a vision to create beautiful, high-quality homes for affordable rent, homes we could be truly proud of. Standing here today, I can say without hesitation, that vision has been delivered.
Today is a story about what becomes possible when you have great partners, each one fully committed, fully in tune with each other, and united by a shared determination to produce a development to be genuinely proud of.
Jenny Watson, chair of Broadland Housing Association, said, This project has been a particular pleasure to work on because of the supportive and friendly community. That community-led approach has really helped to enhance the scheme and build something here in Swanton Novers that really enhances the village.
The design is a mock farmyard conversion, and it looks really good in the village setting and in the wider landscape.
Cllr Jill Boyle, portfolio holder for housing and people services at North Norfolk District Council, said, We are exceptionally proud of the Swanton Novers community, coming together to create this new affordable housing development and make it part of their village.
Households from the local community will be given priority to rent one of the new affordable homes which have a high level of energy efficiency with solar panels and air source heat pumps to keep the running costs low.
This is a real testament to show how a village can work together for the benefit of their community.
The new homes were designed by Mole Architects and built by EN Suiter & Sons.