Family remains in picturesque village thanks to social housing scheme

Melva Bateman, Chichester District Council's (CDC) Portfolio Holder for Housing recently met with Clive and Trudi, Jade, Elsie and Kaitlin Wadey at their home in Bramley Close at the brand-new Rydon's Bourn Meadows development in the picturesque village of Kirdford near Petworth.

The Wadey children planted the scheme's first apple tree with the help of Councillor Bateman and it will form part of an orchard in the nature reserve behind the houses.

The Wadey family moved into their home earlier this year and they live in one of four houses provided by Southern Housing Group for social rent. 
There are also two shared ownership flats which give the opportunity for local people to make the first step onto the property ladder.  This scheme ensured that the latest of four generations of the Wadeys have been able to remain in Kirdford. 

Trudi Wadey said: "It's a lovely home, we are really happy to be here. It also has a garden where my three daughters play and they can meet their friends on the village green. We can all enjoy the nature reserve."

She added that the family formerly lived in a small house and they were determined to move into this new development.  "We love the location and the move meant that our children can stay at the same local primary schools.

I have a long family history with this community. My grandmother used to work in the apple-packing house in the former Kirdford Growers which is where my house is. She does find it strange when she comes to visit."

Councillor Bateman said: "It was great to meet the Wadeys in their new home.

"They wanted to remain in Kirdford and an effective planning process by CDC means this is possible.

"New life has been brought to this important village site providing much needed high-quality affordable rural housing in the north of the district by the business partnership between Southern Housing Group and Rydon Homes."

She added that affordable housing schemes in villages such as Kirdford enable young people to live there and ensure the village's long-term viability.

Guy Collar, Southern Housing Group's South Region, Regional Director, said: "I am delighted that the Wadey family are truly at home. Southern Housing Group's objective is to ensure that our residents are provided with high-quality places to live.  It is also heart-warming that Mrs Wadey is able to raise her family in the village were she grew up.

"Our partnership with Rydon Homes and Chichester District Council has enabled us all to deliver this ideal situation." 

He added: "there is still a one-bedroom apartment available for shared ownership and I encourage suitably qualified applicants seeking an affordable home in this idyllic location to apply for it."

The site was the former Kirdford Growers apple packing and distribution centre that had been operational since the 1930s.  Rydon Homes acquired the land in 2006.

They were awarded planning permission to build 26 homes on the site and approached Southern Housing Group to be their social housing partner.

The developer and Southern Housing Group have worked together over a number of years to provide first-class housing for a number of their high-quality rural housing schemes. The Bourn Meadows development is another example of this successful partnership.

Natalie Flint, Director and Sales of Marketing, Rydon Homes, said: "It's great news that the Wadeys have made Bourn Meadows their home.

"I anticipate that the entire scheme will be completed by October and many more families will live here and enjoy a high-quality country life."