New tenants in Glemsford are settling into their homes at a council development as the district authority mounts a drive to build more supported housing.
Work began on Hammond Croft, Glemsford, in December 2016, and the nine two-bedroom and six three-bedroom homes were part of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ joint project to deliver 65 new council home across both districts.
The Glemsford homes were advertised through Gateway to Home Choice and priority was given to people with local links to the area.
Babergh councillors met with the Farrant family last week, who have recently moved into one of the new homes.
The family – Karl, Maxine and daughters Shannon and Katie – have a link to the village and a long history in the community.
Jan Osborne, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for housing said the authority is not going to rest on its laurels.
“We are mounting a big drive to build more supported housing throughout Babergh, and it is always heart-warming to see the results of that work,” she said.
“It was wonderful to meet the Farrants’ and hear their experiences of moving into the new homes in Glemsford.
“But we are not going to rest on our laurels – we have more supported housing developments planned, and I look forward to seeing many more families move into new homes just like the Farrants’.”
Maxine Farrant said: “It took us a week to move in, but now we have so much more space. We’re looking forward to the summer when the whole family can enjoy the new garden.”
New government initiatives have made it easier for local authorities to build their own homes and both Babergh and Mid Suffolk seized the opportunity.
In May 2014, the councils appointed Havebury Housing Partnership as their development partner and after securing a £1million government grant, work began on building 27 new homes in Babergh and 38 in Mid Suffolk.
All the eight schemes have now been completed and these include:
Meadow Close, Lavenham – 12 one-bed flats
Mill Road, Laxfield – Three two-bed bungalows
Oakley Fields, Thurston – Wheelchair accessible three-bed bungalow
Acton Close, Bramford – Two two-bed houses
Fox Meadow, Barking – Two two-bed houses and one two-bed bungalow
Kingfisher Drive, Gt Blakenham – Four one-bed flats, 10 two-bed houses, nine two-bed bungalows
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