Council sells unused land for affordable homes development

Buckinghamshire Council has announced the sale of unused council-owned land at Horns Lane in High Wycombe.

The council said it paves the way for the construction of 50 affordable homes which will be managed by social housing provider Sovereign. This decision aligns with the council's ongoing commitment to addressing the urgent need for new, affordable housing within the county.

Woolridge Developments will be constructing the homes for Sovereign, who have a proven track record of delivering affordable housing. The housing association will work with the council to ensure that the homes are built to high standards, and that they meet the needs of the local community.

The Horns Lane development serves as yet another example of the council's proactive approach to community enhancement, following a similar project to deliver affordable homes on a council-owned site at Bellfield in High Wycombe, where 68 affordable homes will be built.

The Horns Lane homes will meet Sovereign's unique Homes and Place Standard and be constructed using its new range of house types. The new design range goes further to support the health and wellbeing of its future customers, exceeding national space standards, incorporating increased storage and renewable energy sources.

The new homes will have air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, making them even more affordable and sustainable.

John Chilver, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and Resources, expressed his enthusiasm for the project:

"I'm delighted that we've been able to sell this land for the exclusive purpose of affordable housing. This decision marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing options for our residents. By repurposing unused land that we own, we're not only addressing the housing needs of our community, but also ensuring the efficient use of valuable resources."

The site at Horns Lane has already secured outline planning permission for the construction of 50 affordable homes, ensuring a streamlined process as the project moves forward to a more detailed reserved matters application.

Jed West, Head of Land for Wooldridge Developments, said:  

"We are very proud to be involved in the Horns Lane project and look forward to working with Buckinghamshire Council and Sovereign to deliver much-needed affordable housing in High Wycombe.

"Horns Lane is set to contribute to Wooldridge Developments' significant pipeline of affordable housing sites throughout the South East. Our focus is on establishing partnerships with housing associations to deliver energy-efficient homes and facilities that promote thriving communities."

Jenny Grote, Sovereign's Assistant Director for New Business, commented:

"This purchase represents a fantastic opportunity for Sovereign and the wider community. The homes we build will help to address the growing demand for more affordable housing, but they'll also be part of a much larger legacy. With the homes built to our Homes and Place Standard and new house type range they'll be even more affordable for our future customers. Building to this new sustainable range really showcases our ability to design well thought-out homes which exceed standards and norms, wherever we can."

Find out more about Buckinghamshire Council's approach to affordable housing.