THE MP for Daventry has marked the start of construction of rural affordable homes in the district, with a brick laying ceremony.
Chris Heaton-Harris MP joined Richard Atterbury, board member for Daventry & District Housing (DDH), in laying the foundation stone at its development in Woodford Halse, where 15 new homes are being built by Lovell.
The plans are designed to meet local housing need and aim to make better use of existing sites, replacing six outdated houses with 14 two- and three-bedroom homes, and one bungalow.
The homes are the first to be built by DDH since it was set up in 2007, and have been funded with an investment from the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing body for England.
All homes will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 to ensure they are energy efficient, and will be available for rent.
Elaine Bradbury, chairman of DDH, said: “We are thrilled to see plans for our first new build homes coming to fruition. By using land that is already built on, we’re using our resources to their full potential both in Woodford Halse and at our second site in Weedon.
“It’s an exciting day for our team and our partners, and is a landmark first step in our work to increase the number of affordable homes available for local people.
“People in rural areas are being priced out of the villages where they grew up. Investing in these areas now will help to ensure the longevity of these communities and protect local services for the future.”