MP visits affordable housing scheme in Amberley

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert was in Amberley on Friday (23 July) to visit a new development of affordable homes.

The 12 homes at Newland Gardens have been built for people who work in the village or have strong family connections but cannot afford to buy a property in the area.

Mr Herbert was given a tour of the development by Chairman of Amberley Parish Council James Tolson who was instrumental in getting the project off the ground.

They were joined by the Chairman and Chief Executive of housing association Saxon Weald, David Avery and David Standfast, who are now responsible for managing the scheme.

The development, just off Turnpike Road, was built by Exbury Homes of Fareham and comprises four one-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom flats and four three-bedroom houses. 

Two of the flats are available to buy as shared ownership properties, one of which has already sold.  The other properties are available to rent and are now occupied after families began moving into them last month.

Today (26 July), parish council chairmen from across the county will be joining other invited guests at the official opening of Newland Gardens, giving them a chance to find out more about the project.

Nick Herbert commented: "This is a great scheme and I'm delighted that Amberley Parish Council has been able to make it happen.  In many of our villages on the Downs we need more affordable homes to meet the needs of local families.  The great thing about this scheme is that local people were consulted, there was overwhelming support for it and it's proved to be a huge success."

Mr Herbert added: "I hope that more developments like this will be possible now that the Government has launched its Community Right to Build scheme.  Unlike the old system where decisions on housebuilding were imposed as a result of unrealistic housing targets driven from Whitehall, local people will now be able to decide for themselves what is appropriate for their village."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For the website of Saxon Weald, visit http://www.saxonweald.com/index.htm.

2. For more information on the Community Right to Build scheme, visit http://bit.ly/azUBeG.