Work begins on £6.8m affordable homes scheme for New Forest

Work has started on a new £6.8 million affordable housing development in Hampshire.

The new homes in Hythe are being delivered by AJC Group on behalf of New Forest District Council.

The wholly affordable site will eventually see the creation of 22 high-quality homes including one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two- and three-bedroom homes.

David Cracklen, director at AJC Group, said: “We’re pleased to be commencing construction at this key housing site in Hythe, our second live affordable development in the New Forest.

“These homes will help to fill a gap in the social housing offering; indeed we know that the New Forest area is crying out for more affordable housing, and we’re proud to be part of the solution.

“This development is very much part of our mission to build 500 new affordable homes in the next five years.

“It is encouraging to see the New Forest District Council adopt such a forward-thinking approach in order to provide an opportunity for local people to own a home in this area of Hampshire which they have previously been priced out of.”

Cllr Steve Davies, portfolio holder for housing, added: “After a rigorous and competitive process, AJC Group has been selected to build this scheme for us; our third development to meet the full Future Homes Standard.

“It’s great that work has started and I look forward to seeing the homes taking shape over the coming months.”

The £6.8 million scheme has been made possible thanks to capital funding from the district council, Homes England, and the Brownfield Land Release Fund.

The homes will be energy-efficient and have been sensitively designed to be in keeping with the local area, as well as creating an attractive street scene to complement the existing properties surrounding the site.

The development will also have a new green public space, complete with a play area and new planting to enhance and protect the local wildlife.