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.

Broadland Meridian are delighted to announce their awards for funding for 2026. Working alongside Norfolk Community Foundation, this year is its 10th anniversary, having awarded £250,000 since its launch in 2016.

Iain Grieve, Chair of Broadland Meridian said

These latest grants will enable these six charities and community groups, all of which work in the mental health arena, to make a profound difference to local people’s lives. The Broadland Meridian Fund is an excellent partnership between Broadland Housing, our contractors and partners, and the Norfolk Community Foundation, which is having a real and positive impact right across Norfolk, benefitting both our tenants and the wider community

Broadland has had amazing support from its partners and contractors, enabling the fund to continue and grow. Support from companies like Valiant and RG Carters (see full list at bottom of article) have meant a great deal and will ensure that the Fund will continue to prosper.

The latest grant recipients are:

• Deaf Connexions, which works throughout the county, receives £2,500 to support a range of activities to help reduce isolation and promote wellbeing in the deaf community
• Home-Start Norfolk, which receives £2,500 to provide early support interventions for families living in great Yarmouth with children under the age of five
• Musical Keys, which receives £5,000 to support the ongoing running costs of its Outreach Service which directly supports the mental health and well-being of vulnerable individuals in remote and isolated areas of Norfolk
• Norfolk Clubhouse, a community supporting people whose lives have been severely disrupted by mental health difficulties, receives £5,000 to contribute towards the cost of running its Norwich Hub
• The Bridge For Heroes receives £2,500 to provide monthly inclusive supported outings and activities for veterans in West Norfolk
• YESU, based in Sheringham, receives £5,000 towards the cost of delivering its connect services, providing help to children, young people and families struggling with isolation and mental health challenges

Broadland would like to thank all those who have contributed to the fund