Orbit East creates bespoke home for family

Published by Orbit East & South for Orbit East in Housing and also in Communities, Health

Orbit East has joined forces with North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) to help a family who were living in severely overcrowded conditions. 

The Gray family, consisting of Mum, Dad and seven children all under 10 (including four year old twins, one of which was severely disabled) were living in a three bedroom home and NNDC had become aware of their circumstances following a request for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Following negotiations with both NNDC and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Orbit East created a six bedroom bungalow for the family at new development Ketts Road in North Walsham, by combining a three bedroom wheelchair-adapted bungalow with an adjoining two bedroom bungalow.

The Gray family, who moved into their new bespoke home in October said    “The layout of the bungalow is great and the children have settled in well.  We were so used to living on top of each other but now the children can play in their rooms and this has had a positive effect on the whole family. Outside the bungalow is a very safe environment for all of the children to play.”

Anne Brighton, Orbit East’s Head of Neighbourhoods, commented “This is an excellent example of collaborative working. We are delighted that through our work with NNDC, the HCA and the occupational therapy team a bespoke home has been developed for a family with very specific needs.”

Councillor Keith Johnson of NNDC added “North Norfolk District Council is delighted that through its partnership with Orbit East we have been able to meet the needs of a family who required a property which did not currently exist in the affordable housing stock.  Working this way we have been able to achieve a very successful outcome quickly and cost effectively and have increased the supply of properties suitable for both larger households and wheelchair users. We are pleased to have been able to work with Orbit East to deliver such a positive outcome and we wish the family all the best in their new home.”