17/08/2007   D10/07   Downland

‘Green’ homes help residents stay local

A development of affordable and eco-friendly homes in Fernhurst is helping local people to put down roots.

The 15 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and houses at Southleys, near Midhurst, have been developed by Affinity Sutton on behalf of local affordable housing provider, Downland Housing Association.

The scheme has been developed in close partnership with Chichester District Council, to help those with local connections who are unable to afford the costs of private renting or purchasing, stay in the area.

All of the new residents have been nominated from the council’s waiting list for affordable housing.

The homes at Southleys are among the greenest in the country, having been built using a Canadian construction system known as Super E.

They hit the highest energy efficiency ratings thanks to tough insulation and ventilation systems, developed to withstand Canadian climates. As well as being environmentally friendly, the energy-efficient homes are also among the most affordable to run with minimal heat loss and condensation.

Among the first residents are Kelly and Simon Kirby, who have moved into a two-bedroom house along with their six-month-old daughter Kiera. Mrs Kirby, 32, said: “We are so pleased to have been able to stay in the local area.

“We had previously been in a one-bedroom upper floor flat in Fernhurst, which was far from ideal with a baby.”

“Property prices are so high in this area that we could not afford to buy or rent privately, and it is great that these homes have been allocated to those with local connections as a priority.”

“As all our neighbours are from the local area, there is a really nice sense of community. The house is fantastic and it is great to have a garden. It is somewhere we can put down roots and enjoy as a family.”

“We are also feeling the benefits of the excellent insulation and ventilation. When the weather turned recently, the house remained warm without having to turn up the central heating.”

The £1.9m development has been funded with the help of a £980,000 grant from the Housing Corporation, the organisation which funds and regulates housing associations in the UK.

Mark Perry, chief executive of Downland Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide these homes for local people.”

“This development helps to meet the area’s housing needs with minimal environmental impact. The high standards of energy efficiency will also help to bring down running costs for the new residents, and provide an extremely comfortable living environment.”

Cllr Melva Bateman, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Chichester District Council, said: “The high quality and sustainable development scheme shows just what can be achieved by Chichester District Council and its housing association partners, working in partnership.

“With high housing costs driving many of our young people out of our villages and towns, this scheme will provide a unique opportunity to keep them in their local community and help to keep Fernhurst a thriving village in which to live.”

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