Residents celebrate official completion of new affordable homes

Residents of a new affordable housing scheme in Dereham have celebrated moving into their new homes with Carol Bundock, the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, and Bryan Gunn, patron of Broadland Housing Association, who planted a tree and joined them for a BBQ and entertainment in the communal gardens of the new development.

The £6million development of 65 apartments, houses and adapted bungalows by Broadland Housing Association provides new homes for over 250 people from the Breckland area.
Many of the new residents had been on the housing list waiting for suitable homes for some time and during the celebrations expressed their delight and relief about moving into their new homes.

The new homes, 45 of which are rented and 20 of which are for part buy/part rent (shared ownership) have been built using a modern method of structural timber frame construction which provides high insulation properties and keeps space heating costs as low as possible. The new homes achieved an Eco Homes “Very Good” rating.

Plans for the new town centre homes, on a site formerly occupied by a disused night club which had been burnt down by vandals a few years earlier, attracted considerable opposition from Dereham residents.

However, consultation with the neighbouring private owners, the installation of high level safety fencing for the Cricket Club, the inclusion of large open spaces for the community within the design of the scheme and concerns about the lack of affordable homes in Dereham and the potential impact on the town’s future if young families are forced to move away, positively assisted the Planning Committee in the approval of development.

Today, the scheme, which has been designed to a traditional plan of crescents and green areas, in keeping with Dereham’s architectural heritage, enhances the town centre and contributes to the ongoing regeneration of this important Norfolk market town.

Michael Newey, Broadland’s Chief Executive, said: “The opening of these new homes in Dereham has been the result of 19 months of dedicated work. The demand for good quality, affordable homes in the area is very high and these homes at Dereham represent an important step towards meeting this need.

"The new homes have been sensitively and appropriately designed to contribute positively to the appearance of Dereham, as well as provide good homes at affordable rents to local people who are in housing need in the area. I warmly welcome the new residents and hope they will be very happy in their new homes”

Commenting on the opening Paul Claussen, Breckland Council’s Executive Member for Economic and Housing said: “There is a high demand for affordable homes in Dereham and this development has made strong inroads into addressing this need.

"I am particularly impressed with the quality and the energy efficiency levels anticipated at these new homes, as well as the care that has been taken to ensure the layout and design of the buildings are sympathetic to the area.”

Speaking at the event, Carol Bundock, Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk commented: I am delighted to be here at the official completion of these new homes in Dereham. This area has been in need of a development that provides housing that is both affordable to run and rent for some time.

"It is hoped that new houses will provide its residents a sense of community and assist those desperately in need of affordable housing the opportunity to stay in Dereham and continue to contribute positively to the area.”