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WESTLEIGH Developments has said that the new development it is building as part of a major regeneration scheme at Mansfield Woodhouse will not only breathe a new lease of life into a run-down area, but will respond to further calls for affordable rented homes nationally. Westleigh, which is based at Whetstone in Leicestershire and has its own timber-frame division, Westframe, has always endeavoured to meet community needs in terms of low-cost housing, and housing for rent. Its latest scheme, which forms part of a long-term regeneration drive, is further evidence of this commitment, says Managing Director Chris Beighton. The development at Mansfield Woodhouse will feature a number of new apartments, houses and bungalows for rent, part-ownership and outright sale, and is a joint venture with East Midlands Housing Association, Nottingham Community Housing Association, the Housing Corporation and Mansfield District Council. "There have been many recent claims that the Government has prioritised low cost schemes for homebuyers above affordable rented and sheltered housing," said Chris. "A number of MPs, The National Housing Federation, the House Builders Federation, Shelter and the Campaign for More & Better Homes have called for a major increase in the building of affordable rented homes whilst a recent report by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Select Committee says this should get a significant boost in Government funding. "With that in mind, Westleigh is pleased to be working on a mixed scheme which will see out-of-date terraced council stock being replaced with new purpose-built homes." Of the 54 new units, 32 will be offered for rent, 14 for part-ownership, and eight for outright sale. The properties for lease will include eight three-bedroom houses, nine three-bedroom houses, 11 two-bedroom houses, two one-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom flats. The shared ownership properties include four two-bedroom bungalows and 10 two-bedroom houses, while there will be four three-bedroom and four two-bedroom houses for outright sale. "Regeneration is key to providing the right mix of housing for today's needs," said Chris. "Outdated housing stock not only fails to meet modern-day requirements, but can also be costly in terms of maintenance and running costs. It's good to be part of something that will result in much-needed affordable homes and, ultimately, lead to a sustainable community." The homes are being designed to Lifetime Homes Standards and incorporate Secured By Design features such as lockable rear gates, security chains and lockable window fasteners. They will also be energy efficient and form part of a 10-year housing regeneration programme covering most of Mansfield Woodhouse, which was launched by the council in 1999. The development is expected to be complete by June next year. |
