(Photo credit: Sean McLellan, Jenner Group)
Shared ownership scheme sets new standards for affordable housing
Dover District Council (DDC) has taken ownership of its latest affordable housing project with 29 new apartments for shared ownership in Dover town centre developed in conjunction with Homes England.
The development includes 22 two-bedroom apartments and seven one-bedroom apartments on Harold Street. Built to a high specification the apartments come fully fitted with kitchens, bathrooms, and carpets.
Shared ownership offers a part-rent/part-buy option for those who are unable to afford to buy a property on the open market with an outright mortgage.
The £12.5m mixed tenure development also includes Bomford Place which provided 24 new homes for social rent by local people on the Council’s waiting list, along with 12 town houses for private sale.
Nadeem Aziz, DDC Chief Executive, said: “Whether it be for social rent, or helping people take their first steps onto the housing ladder with shared ownership, we’re developing a range of affordable options to help local people.
“We’re also committed to building back better with quality homes that meet today’s expectations for sustainability and energy efficiency.”
DDC is setting new standards for affordable housing with a “fabric first” approach to design and build to boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Double-aspect windows make the most of natural light, along with high levels of insulation and natural ventilation to minimise the energy needed for heating and lighting.
Award-winning architects, Avanti, designed the scheme with construction by local builders, Jenner Contractors.
A Homes England spokesperson said: “Despite the current challenges, accelerating housebuilding remains our number one priority. We are committed to supporting Dover District Council and their ambitions to build new homes, and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that. We’re delighted that this funding has enabled DDC to deliver much needed new homes.”
DDC aims to build up to 500 new affordable homes in the district with over 350 new builds already in the pipeline or completed.
Posted on 31 August 2021