Work has started on eight new affordable homes in Blakeney – the result of a unique partnership between Broadland Housing, Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society, Blakeney Parish Council and North Norfolk District Council.
Representatives from all four organisations came together at the site to ceremonially cut the first sod to mark the beginning of construction.
Once completed, the eight houses and bungalows will be allocated to local people who are on the Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society (BNHS) waiting list.
The project came about after BNHS approached Broadland Housing Association for support in delivering new affordable homes for local people in the village. Development land in the Village was cost prohibitive and a suitable site wasn’t identified until Blakeney Parish Council agreed to release land which was being used as a car park during the holiday season; BNHS bought this land from Norfolk County Council and leased it to Broadland Housing Association, which secured public and private funding to deliver the scheme.
Jenny Watson, Chair Broadland Housing said
This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when organisations work in partnership. It is unlikely that any of us could have delivered this project individually, but by pooling our resources and working together we have succeeded in bringing to reality an ambitious vision which will deliver affordable homes in a community where they are sorely needed.
John Seymour, chair of Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society said
Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society is very pleased to be partnering with Broadland Housing Association in bringing this affordable housing development to Blakeney. This project will mean the Society can offer eight more much needed affordable homes to our local households.
Cllr Jill Boyle, portfolio holder for housing and people services at North Norfolk District Council, added
It was a real pleasure taking part in the celebration of this special project, bringing together Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society and Broadland Housing Association, working in partnership to bring new affordable housing in this coastal village. I look forward to seeing these eight new properties completed and becoming affordable homes for local households.
EN Suiters will build the new homes, Nick Suiter comment that he was once again looking forward to working with Broadland Housing to deliver these much needed homes. Ingleton Wood are the architects.