Residents move in to new, affordable homes at Lintham Drive,
Kingswood in time for Christmas
18th December 2009
There’s an early present for residents of Lintham Drive as they
move in to their new homes in Kingswood just in time for
Christmas.
Somer Community Housing Trust has developed 22 affordable homes
as part of a larger development by Barratt David Wilson (BDW) of 88
properties. They were earmarked through the planning system, which
requires developers of larger schemes to provide a proportion of
the properties they build as affordable homes.
All of the properties meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable
Homes, an environmental standard set by the Building Research
Establishment. They have increased insulation, recycling facilities
and are more energy efficient and cheaper to run. Two of the homes
also feature solar panels which help to heat hot water.
Debbie and Tracey were two of the last people to move in. Debbie
said:
‘I used to live in a privately-rented home in
Hanham. It was very expensive and I wanted more security for my
family. I like the area and it’s very close to Kingswood. It’s
great to be moving in for Christmas.’
Tracey said:
‘With two children, my previous flat was very
crowded, so this three-bedroom house is perfect. I’d been looking
for around a year when this came up. I also wanted to be in this
area, so this is really good.’
The Trust invested £1.6million in the development. Sixteen of
the properties are being let at affordable rents through South
Gloucestershire Council’s choice-based lettings scheme,
HomeChoice.
A further six two-bedroom apartments were offered through ‘New
Build HomeBuy’ (a government-backed shared ownership scheme),
giving first-time buyers the opportunity to buy a 40 per cent share
in the property from £47,000 and rent the remainder from the Trust.
The households can purchase the remaining shares in their home when
they are able to do so. Five of the flats are reserved with one
property still for sale.
For more information about New Build HomeBuy, the
last remaining property at Lintham Drive, or other homes that are
available, contact the Sales Team on 01225 366307 or email
somerhomes@somer.org.uk.
Somer Housing Group is always looking for
development land to meet the continuing, high demand for such
homes. To discuss this further, please contact James Bullivent,
Development Manager, on 01225 366098.