New affordable homes under construction in Braiswick

The properties in Braiswick are being purchased by Hastoe Housing Association as part of a larger scheme being developed by Arbora Homes.

Hastoe took a small delegation of colleagues from Colchester Council and development partners to visit the new homes as part of Rural Housing Week from July 6 to 10.

Representatives from Hastoe, Marfleet and Bradshaw, Potter Raper and Colchester City Council celebrate the new homes (Image: Hastoe)

Councillor Rhys Smithson, councillor responsible for housing at Colchester Council, said: "Delivering more affordable housing remains one of the council's key priorities.

"These homes in Braiswick, funded through developers’ Section 106 contributions, will provide local people with access to good-quality, energy-efficient homes at a time when housing affordability continues to be a significant challenge.

Hearing about the new homes from Ulrike Maccariello, Hastoe (Image: Hastoe)

"Partnerships such as this are essential in helping us meet housing need, support thriving communities and ensure that people have the opportunity to live and work in the area they call home."

Of the eight new homes, two will be two-bedroom, two will be three-bedroom, and two will be four-bedroom properties available for affordable rent.

An additional two three-bedroom homes will be offered through shared ownership.

Chris Meadows, development director at Hastoe, said: "The shortage of affordable homes is already much more acute in rural areas than urban ones, and families are often priced out of their own communities.

"We know the devastating impact this lack of homes can have on those communities, both economically and socially.

"Section 106 homes such as the ones we are purchasing in Braiswick are therefore often a lifeline for local people."

The homes are due to be completed in September.