Funding green light for Flaxhayes

10/7/2009

Funding approved for multi-million pound Magna development at Flaxhayes, Bridport

Work is set to begin on a new estate of 57 affordable homes in Bridport.

Funding has been approved for the multi-million pound Magna Housing Association development at Flaxhayes.

The site, opposite St Catherine’s Primary School, will feature 37 properties for rent and 17 for shared ownership. There are also plans for three self-build homes.

The rented properties are a mix of one-bedroom flats and two and three bedroom houses, while the shared ownership units will be two and three bedrooms.

Magna is also providing a number of communal facilities, including a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Brit, giving easy and safe access to both St Catherine’s and Colfox Schools.

The total development cost is more than £8m with £3.5m having come from a Homes and Communities Agency grant. Work on the scheme is expected to be completed by Easter 2011.
Magna’s Nigel Spencer, said:

“We are delighted to have now had funding confirmed by the government’s Homes and Communities Agency and look forward to starting on site at Flaxhayes in the very near future.

“We have worked tirelessly to deliver plans that are both sensitive to Bridport’s needs and to those of residents and the community at large.

“This is an important scheme for the town and one we are proud to be involved in. This is a 100 per cent affordable housing development, something that is much-needed in Bridport.”

Magna was appointed following a rigorous selection process by the Flaxhayes Stakeholders’ Panel, made up of representatives from West Dorset District Council (WDDC), Bridport Town Council, Allington Parish Council and Bridport Local Area Partnership.

Planning permission for the land, which was donated to Magna free of charge by WDDC, was granted in July.

All properties will meet strict sustainable homes criteria, with the installation of solar water heating and rainwater flushing toilets as standard.

Mr Spencer added: “We have listened carefully to the Stakeholders’ Panel and have drawn up our plans accordingly.

“A crucial element has been the provision of communal facilities and we have incorporated things such as a play area and space for allotments.

“Currently children and parents face a difficult walk to the two nearby schools, having to cut through a busy industrial estate.

“The building of the bridge over the river will help tremendously and will also encourage people to leave their cars at home, which is obviously good for the environment.”

Colin Molton, South West regional director of the Homes and Communities Agency, revealed the funding is part of the recent Housing Pledge from the government to deliver affordable housing.

He added: “We recognise that present housing market conditions are very challenging for many of our commercial development partners.

“As a consequence, we are keen to ensure we do all we can to help continue the provision of affordable homes. This funding will help to provide much-needed homes in the area to a high standard.”