Russet build spacious homes for local families

Published by Barbara H for Russet Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Local Government

Four local families were delighted to be handed the keys to their spacious new affordable homes in Trafalgar Road in Gravesend.

The homes have been developed by Russet, part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing, together with Gravesham Borough Council and funded by the Homes and Communities Agency,

Spread over three floors each home has three bedrooms, garden and under croft parking offering much needed family sized affordable accommodation in the area.  One single mum with three young children is particularly pleased to be offered a home with extra space after living in a property which was heavily overcrowded.  Following a relationship breakup she had been forced to move back in with her mother who already had three children of her own living at home.

Chosen for its excellent location in the community overlooking the cricket and bowls ground it’s close to the town centre and shops, transport links and local schools.  The development has been built to a high specification and energy efficiency to meet Sustainable Homes Code Level 3 standard helping residents keep energy bills to a minimum.  Working closely with the planning department has ensured the properties blend in with the nearby conservation area and the attractive slate roof matches the surrounding period properties.

Steve Woodcock, MD of Russet, said: “We are committed to enhancing the Life Chances of residents and partnership working is an important part of ensuring that resources are used wisely and to the best effect.  Despite the challenging economic climate, we have kept our promise to provide more affordable homes for local people and have built 207 new homes during the past year.

“Following on from the success of this much needed development at Trafalgar Road, Russet is now working with Gravesham Borough Council as Development Agent to help deliver the first council homes in the borough for approximately 16 years and is building five bungalows some of which will be specially adapted for people with disabilities.”

Gravesham Borough Council’s Lead Member for Housing Cllr Anthony Pritchard said: “We are committed to providing affordable family-sized housing and have been very pleased to assist the delivery of the four spacious homes at Trafalgar Road.”

Part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing - Russet own and manage around 7,000 properties making it the largest social landlord in Tonbridge and Malling.