Construction has started on seven new affordable homes for rent in the north Norfolk village, Swanton Novers. This is following a partnership between a local landowner, a village formed Community Land Trust, North Norfolk District Council and Broadland Housing Association.
Representatives from all three organisations gathered for a sod-cutting ceremony at the site, on the junction of The Street and Church Lane in the village.
The new homes were made possible after local landowner, Rt Hon Delaval Astley, donated the land for the development. He has previously donated land for Swanton Novers Village Hall, as well as two other affordable housing developments which have been developed by Broadland Housing.
The land was taken under the guardianship of the newly-formed Swanton Novers Community Land Trust, which, in liaison with the local community, appointed Broadland Housing Association to build and manage the new affordable homes.
Funding for construction has been provided by Broadland Housing, North Norfolk District Council and Homes England.
Once completed in Spring 2026, the four bungalows and three houses will be made available under a local lettings policy, with priority given to those in housing need who have a strong connection to the village.
Helping to cut the first sod at the site, Chair of BHA, Jenny Watson said:
In many north Norfolk villages, inflated property values have put homes out of the reach of local people.
This in turn impacts on the ability of local businesses to recruit workers, and on the viability of shops and services. So finding ways of providing more new affordable homes is a critical priority.
This site is an excellent example of what can be achieved if you bring together the local community to work towards a solution which works for everyone.”
Jenny Watson, Broadland Housing Association
Also wielding a spade at the ceremony was Gary May, Chair of the Swanton Novers Community Land Trust.
The reaction in the village has been very positive. With any development there is always going to be a bit of nervousness, but we have been able to deliver a modest development which is fully affordable housing, which the village is absolutely delighted with.”
Gary May, Swanton Novers Community Land Trust
Cllr Wendy Fredericks, Deputy Leader of North Norfolk District Council and portfolio holder for housing and people services, added:
I am delighted that we are able to break ground today on this community-led scheme. This development has been made possible by the generosity of the local landowner for the good of local people. We would love to create more opportunities to build homes for local people in this way, and I would appeal to landowners who might be able to give back to their local communities in this way – we would love to hear from you.”
Cllr Wendy Fredericks, North Norfolk District Council
The new affordable homes comprise one one-bedroom bungalow, three two-bedroom bungalows and three three-bedroom houses. The development has been designed by Mole Architects in the style of a converted farmyard so that it sits aesthetically in the wider village landscape.
The homes will have a high level of energy efficiency, with air source heat pumps, triple glazing and photovoltaic solar panels. A community orchard is being provided as part of the scheme, as well as a circular walk around the village.
The new homes are being built by EN Suiter & Sons of King’s Lynn and the project is being managed by Aecom. Rossi Long Consulting advised on nutrient neutrality mitigation, and CJ Yardley Survey and Design is providing arboriculture and landscaping services.
We look forward to the progress of this development and for completion in Spring 2026.