Riversmead to build more affordable homes in East Herts

Published by SRedford for Network Housing Group Limited in Housing and also in Communities

Riversmead Housing Association has been successful in achieving planning permission to build 11 new, affordable homes in the Sele Farm area of Hertford.

Construction work on the 2 two-bedroom chalet bungalows and 6 three-bedroom semi-detached houses in Thieves Lane, and 3 two-bedroom chalet bungalows in Windsor Drive will begin in March 2011, providing more family homes in an area of East Herts where the demand for such housing is extremely high.

Funding of £221,000 has been secured from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and East Herts Council have provided £421,000 to the project, enabling Riversmead to continue its aim of creating additional homes and thriving communities for local people.

All the properties will be built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and using high levels of wall insulation will be one means of achieving this. Environmental considerations include the use of sun pipes and energy efficient gas boilers, contributing to reduced resident fuel bills and carbon footprints. Alan Camp Architects have also considered the needs of the local community at the Thieves Lane development. An additional 8 car parking spaces will be built to improve parking in the area, where public spaces are limited.

Riversmead are also pleased to announce the completion of King Charles Close in Ware, a similar scheme built on an underused garage site, which was handed over at the beginning of the month. The self contained court of houses comprises 2 two-bedroom houses, 4 three-bedroom houses and 2 four-bedroom houses each with its own private garden and parking, creating a quiet cul-de-sac for families.

Chris Wright, Riversmead’s Director of Housing Services, said: “I am delighted that planning consent and funding for this project has been agreed and I want to thank all parties concerned who have enabled us to continue to provide much needed affordable housing. Regenerating garage sites brings significant benefits to local families and the surrounding community too. We are committed to supporting the diverse needs of our neighbourhoods and this will continue to be a priority.”

Simon Camp, Associate Partner, Alan Camp Architects, commented: “Family life was the core element of the design brief for the housing types, and the schemes have been developed to accommodate changing family needs.”

Jackie Rose, Area Manager for the HCA in Hertfordshire, said: “The demand for affordable homes in East Herts is particularly high so we are delighted to be able to support these family homes. The homes are being delivered to high standards and are in line with the priorities set out in the recently agreed Local Investment Plan priorities.

Over the last financial quarter, we have granted approximately £1.3m to East Hertfordshire via a number of local housing providers including Riversmead. This will help deliver affordable homes for around 30 people on the housing needs list.”

www.riversmead.org.uk

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