Construction Of New Community-Led Affordable Housing Begins In Westbourne

Saturday, 26 October 2024 06:00

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Work has started on a ground-breaking project to deliver 12 new affordable homes for local people in Westbourne.

Construction of the new properties, which will consist of six one-bed homes; four two-bed homes; and two three-bed homes, began earlier this month in Mill Road, Westbourne, and was celebrated by project partners at an event to mark the milestone on Friday 18 October.

The project is led by a group of local residents who formed Westbourne CLT (Community Land Trust) five years ago, and is supported by Chichester District Council, Westbourne Parish Council, South Downs National Park Authority, and Homes England.

Construction company, Ascia Construction Ltd, are carrying out the work, which is expected to be completed in October 2025.

Westbourne is the first CLT in the Chichester District to build their own homes, and once completed, their scheme will offer housing for local residents who can’t afford to buy or rent on the open market.

Frank Campbell, Chair of the Westbourne Community Land Trust, said:

“This important project began six years ago and we are absolutely delighted to have reached this crucial milestone.

"This couldn’t have been achieved without the support and enthusiasm of our local community, as well as the dedication and backing of so many individuals and organisations.

"Our partners have always shown how fully committed they are to the principle of community-led housing as a great way to tackle a shortage of affordable accommodation that affects not only Westbourne, but many communities in the country.

“This project is a great example of how consultation with the community can deliver much-needed affordable housing that will be retained permanently for social rent, ensuring that these homes will be available for local people for many generations."

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