Since I last wrote, work has continued with our contractor SEH French Construction on the large number of tasks that need to be completed to prepare to start construction, and I’m pleased to say that we are still on track to start work on the site early in the new year.

Whilst it seems like a long time ahead, we are also now turning our thoughts to the completed homes which we expect to be available for occupation late 2020/early 2021.  The first phase of the development consists of affordable rented and shared ownership homes, as well as some self-build plots. 

I would like to take the opportunity between now and when we start the construction to provide you with some information about each of the three tenures that are available so that you can start to consider whether you, a family member or friend may wish to consider living at the new development.  This month starts with affordable rent, and information on shared ownership and self-build will follow in the coming months.

In discussion with the Parish Council, we are also intending to hold an information event in the village to provide you with the opportunity to come and talk to us and other organisations who are involved in the allocation of the properties in phase 1.  We would like to hold this in early Spring 2020 and we will provide further details closer to the time.

Affordable Rent at Mackenzie Place

There will be 12 affordable rented homes at Mackenzie Place;

4 x 1 bedroom flats
2 x 2 bedroom flats
4 x 2 bedroom houses
2 x 3 bedroom houses

These properties will be owned and managed by Orwell Housing Association, and rented on an affordable rent – this is a rent that is no more than 80% of the market rent of that property. 

The properties will be allocated by Babergh District Council through their choice based lettings system – Gateway to Homechoice.  Anybody interested in renting one of the properties will need to be registered with Gateway to Homechoice and more information can be found at www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk

Applicants who meet specific criteria called ‘Local Lettings Criteria’ will be given priority.  These are people who have lived in Cockfield for at least two years, or have a close family member who has lived in Cockfield for at least two years, or people who work in Cockfield and have for at least two years.

More information will be available at the local event next year.

Look out for next month’s update where I will provide information on Shared Ownership homes.

Dawn Edwards
Development Manager
Orwell Housing Association