£8m affordable housing scheme in Dorset reaches completion

Poole’s AJC Group has completed work on the £8 million Violet Cross affordable development for housing provider Abri.

Featuring 21 two- and three-bedroom homes the new development, based in the rural Dorset village of Hazelbury Bryan, was originally planned to have 13 open market homes and eight affordable, at a rate of 40 per cent, however, in line with AJC Group’s corporate strategy and aim to improve social housing, the housebuilder worked with Abri to deliver the scheme for 100 per cent affordable housing.

Designed by Dorset-based architects Morgan Carey, the site remediation and construction work took 18 months to complete in total and features five two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

The brownfield site had previously lain derelict for eight years, with the new development also bringing biodiversity gains by enhancing boundary hedgerows and retaining and maintaining mature trees within the site. Ecological features have also been integrated into the structure of the properties, including two bee bricks per dwelling for solitary bees.

David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We are extremely proud of this partnership project. Working together with Abri, we have transformed a derelict brownfield site into 21 outstanding new homes. These eco-focused houses are in line with our aim and vision to produce higher quality affordable homes throughout the Wessex region, responding to the housing needs of this previously underserved rural community.”

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The nearest small town to the Hazelbury Bryan development site is Sturminster Newton, which is nearly five miles away.

Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety at Dorset Council, said: “Homes in stunning rural locations like this often come at a premium, which is why it’s so rewarding to see these completed homes, which will help more people onto the housing ladder.”

“Affordable housing supports the community and is one of the main contributing factors that enables local people to remain. Dorset Council continues to work closely with our communities to build more homes where they’re needed, and we’re committed to supporting the delivery of the right homes in the right places for generations to come.”

Ralph Facey, Director of Operations at Abri said: “The power of collaboration is invaluable to the housing sector and Violet Cross is a great example of what can be accomplished by working together. Thank you to Dorset Council and AJC Group for what has been achieved here. Working in partnership, we’ve helped deliver high-quality, affordable homes in a beautiful rural location that will help to strengthen the community.”

“Affordability is such a key issue now, particularly with the increased cost of living and the significant demand for affordable housing, so it’s great to be making all these 21 new homes affordable. Abri is committed to supporting communities and we hope these new sustainable, eco-conscious homes have all the elements needed for the community to thrive.”

Andrew Billany, Corporate Director of Housing at Dorset Council, said: “We know that there is a great need for affordable housing in predominantly rural areas like Hazelbury Bryan. Our Housing Register shows that to be the case, with many local people unable to find homes they can afford in the area.

“The new homes at Violet Cross are a vital contribution to help Hazelbury Bryan thrive as a place and as a community. Violet Cross provides a great place where local people and families can settle and enjoy all that Dorset offers. Dorset Council applauds the scheme and we are proud to have been part of making it happen.”

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Featured image provided by Antler Agency