NEARLY 20 new homes have been built at Kesgrave and Orford for families on low incomes and people with disabilities.

NEARLY 20 new homes have been built at Kesgrave and Orford for families on low incomes and people with disabilities.

The developments are enabling people to stay in the communities where they live rather than being driven out by being unable to afford huge house prices.

In Kesgrave, a site on Century Drive was used for eight wheelchair-friendly bungalows for rent, two with three bedrooms and six with two bedrooms.

“As part of the planning negotiations, the owner of the land was happy to meet the needs of those with physical disabilities, making it possible for more people to join the Grange Farm community,” said Suffolk Coastal cabinet member Chris Slemmings.

“The site has been leased to Flagship Housing, and the landowner has also contributed to the cost of building the bungalows.”

In Orford, a survey by the parish council and Suffolk Acre, with the support of Suffolk Coastal's housing team, showed there was a demand for more rented accommodation and shared ownership housing, because of high house prices and private rents.

The scheme on Ipswich Road was built after consultation with residents on layout and design and provides two two-bedroom bungalows, two two-bedroom and four three-bedroom homes for rent, and one two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes for shared ownership.

“To ensure the new housing in Kesgrave and Orford met the needs of the community, planning agreements were made so that homes could only be let or sold to people with a local connection,” said Mr Slemmings.

Families have already moved into their new homes, except for one three-bedroom shared ownership home in Orford, which is still available. Anyone with a local connection who wants more details this property can call 01603 255416 or 01603 255431.

Should villages have more rented and shared ownership housing to help people stay in their communities? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk