TWELVE new affordable homes, in Holbrook, are helping families stay in the Babergh district.

Headline: Affordable homes scheme helps families stay in Babergh

HOLBROOK: Twelve new affordable homes, in Holbrook, are helping families stay in the Babergh district.

The new tenants celebrated the official opening of a �1.35m affordable housing scheme in Ipswich Road, Holbrook alongside representatives from Holbrook Parish Council, Babergh District Council and Orwell Housing Association.

The new homes were developed as a rural exception site - which means only people with a strong connection with the village will be eligible to live there.

Holbrook Parish Council worked closely with Babergh and Orwell to secure the development after a housing needs survey showed there was a demand for affordable homes for local families who wanted to stay in Holbrook.

The parish council were instrumental in helping to find land for it to be built.

Marion Leeson, former chairman of the parish council, championed the need for local, affordable housing, helping to approach land owners and farmers in the area for suitable land.

Simon Page, chairman of Holbrook Parish Council, said they were pleased to see the result of many years hard work by Orwell Housing Association and Babergh to provide much-needed affordable housing to meet the needs of Holbrook families.

He added: “The site is already starting to blend in with the local surroundings and the families there are absolutely delighted with their new homes. It is our intention to work with our partners again in the future to determine whether any further housing of this type is needed for the area.”

Ian Tippett, Babergh's strategic housing manager, said: "Babergh's villages and communities are the lifeblood of our district and only by ensuring that everyone can access good quality affordable homes can we ensure their future and sustainability.”

The scheme was designed by architects Rees Prior and built by contractors Elliston Steady Hawes.

Martin Bennett, chairman of Orwell Housing Association, said: "The success of schemes, such as Ipswich Road, in enabling families to remain in rural communities demonstrates just what can be achieved when there is strong partnership working”