Former haulage yard home to new families

Published by Karen Connell for Sentinel Housing Association Ltd in Housing and also in Communities

Sentinel Housing Association recently handed over the keys to 12 new homes in the village of Lindford in East Hampshire. The Hazel Cottage site was previously used as a haulage yard and is now home to 12 new three-bedroom houses for rent. One of the first families to move in were Adele, Simon and their three children.

The family of five moved in to their new end-of-terrace house in May, having joined the East Hampshire housing register 18 months earlier. "It lifts your spirits living here," say Adele and partner Simon of their new home at Weyford Close in Lindford. "It’s idyllic. Now we can settle down and make a home."

They particularly like the rural location because their five-year-old son’s asthma is alleviated by the fresh air and open spaces. In fact the entire family love the surrounding area and added: "It’s wonderful waking up to birdsong and being able to walk the boys to school."

The house is built over three storeys and has a sunny aspect overlooking the woods. "The interior design of this house is very considerate of family needs," says Adele. "We have plenty of space and lots of big storage cupboards. The kids have room to play indoors, but it’s also safe for them to play outside which is a huge bonus."

"Our neighbours are so friendly," she adds. "Everyone is new here and we are all making new beginnings, so there’s a real sense of community. People say hello to each other, and the locals have made us feel welcome too."

"Sentinel has been amazing from the beginning, and all our enquiries have been dealt with so helpfully by customer services. We are very happy."

Sentinel Development and Regeneration Director Mike Shepherd said: "We’re delighted that the new residents have settled in and are becoming part of the village community. Affordable family housing in rural locations is in short supply and with the average price for a property in the East Hampshire district at £202,000, it would take 14 times the average salary to obtain a mortgage. We’re doing what we can to meet the housing needs of local people and provide much needed affordable housing for those on lower incomes."

Just nine miles away in Wrecclesham Road, Farnham, work is progressing well with another Sentinel site, which will provide a further 25 new homes for rent and seven for shared ownership.