Eco & Environment | Posted on July 1st, 2024 | return to news
Hundreds of affordable homes built in Dorset in the last year
More than 500 affordable homes have been provided in towns and villages across Dorset in the last financial year.
A total of 508 affordable homes, including 65 in the Wimborne area and 18 in Verwood, have been built in Dorset in the last financial year. In the next few months, new sites will be completed including one in Corfe Mullen.
Provided by Housing Associations, the developments include rented and shared ownership homes and houses for essential local workers.
Sites that were built either by Housing Associations or acquired by the council in the year to March 2024 also include: Blandford Forum 64, Sturminster Newton 34, Shaftesbury 27, Weymouth 34, Chickerell and Portland 15.
Other affordable homes have been built in villages across the county, including Charminster, Drimpton, Fontmell Magna, Halstock, Lytchett Matravers and Puddletown.
Andrew Billany, Dorset Council corporate director for housing, said: “Our villages and rural communities need to have homes that are affordable for local people. At Dorset Council, with our partner organisations, we work hard to make that happen. An affordable and decent home is essential for Dorset people and families to live well and thrive.”
The council is also benefiting from having a Defra-sponsored Rural Enabling Housing Officer for one day a week for a year. Jacqui Cuff is working for Dorset Community Action (DCA), to help officers already working in the Housing Enabling & Delivery Team.
Jacqui is getting to know as many rural communities as possible as well as forging the links already established between town and parish councils.
She said: “Twelve months isn’t long, but I am determined to leave a healthy pipeline of opportunities. Now is a good time for our villages to consider affordable housing. To sustain our rural communities, local people who want to stay should be given the chance to do just that. To help communities thrive and provide homes for future generations.
“It’s great to be working with the team at Dorset Council, we’re pooling our resources and expertise, and we share a common goal, to see more affordable homes in rural Dorset.”
Most of the 508 affordable homes receive financial support from Homes England and are built by Housing Associations such as Abri, Aster, East Boro, Hastoe, Magna, Sovereign and Stonewater.
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