A SCHEME to provide affordable homes has got under way in one of Suffolk's most desirable villages - with the promise of more to come.

Russell Claydon

A SCHEME to provide affordable homes has got under way in one of Suffolk's most desirable villages - with the promise of more to come.

Work to build seven new homes in Lavenham, near Sudbury, began on Friday with councillors already looking for a site for the next development.

The houses on land situation at Brent Eleigh Road will be specifically earmarked for families with a strong local connection to the historic medieval village.

Lyn Gurling, chairman of Lavenham Parish Council, said: “This is a very long-awaited event for the village and an important step for the future of Lavenham.

“I hope this progress will encourage other local landowners to offer other sites so that we can provide even more affordable housing for local people.”

A mix of seven, two and three bedroom homes will be built by Hastoe Housing Association in the Babergh District Council scheme.

Ian Tippett, Babergh's strategic housing manager, said: “Our villages and communities are the lifeblood of our district and only by ensuring that everyone can access good quality homes can we ensure their future and sustainability.

“These homes have been designed specifically to fit in with their surroundings - in this case one of the district's flagship tourist hotspots.

“All traditional stereotypes about social housing being of poor quality and ill-designed just do not stack up here.

“Babergh aims to bring the best quality affordable homes to all areas of the district so any parishes that may have reservations in the past can be reassured by this scheme.”

John Lefever, Hastoe's regional head of development, added: “We are delighted to be involved in this project, where seven new homes will make a real difference to the lives of seven local families.”

Anyone interested in being considered for one of the homes is asked to register on Gateway to Homechoice at www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk.