Tenants have celebrated the official opening of a �1.35million affordable housing development in the village.

HOLBROOK: Tenants have celebrated the official opening of a �1.35million affordable housing development in the village.

The 12 homes, in Ipswich Road, were developed as a Rural Exception Site, meaning only people with a strong connection with the village will be eligible to live there.

Twelve more affordable homes are helping local families stay in the Babergh district thanks to strong partnership working.

Holbrook Parish Council worked closely with Babergh District Council and Orwell Housing Association 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.

Simon Page, Chairman of Holbrook Parish Council, said: “The site is already starting to blend in with the local surroundings and the families there are absolutely delighted with their new homes.”

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.”

"Babergh is delighted the development in Holbrook will help people with a strong connection to the village find a home that may have otherwise eluded them. These excellent homes are a result of strong partnership working between us, the parish council and Orwell Housing Association."

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

“The Association is committed to working with local people to provide a solution to the lack of affordable housing in rural areas,” said Wendy Evans-Hendrick, Director of Development and Property Services at Orwell Housing Association.