The MP for Daventry has marked the start of work to increase the number of rural affordable homes in the district, with a commemorative brick laying ceremony.

Chris Heaton-Harris MP and Richard Atterbury, board member for Daventry & District Housing (DDH) laying the foundation stone Chris Heaton-Harris MP joined Richard Atterbury, Board Member for Daventry & District Housing (DDH), in laying the foundation stone at its development in Woodford Halse, where 15 new homes are being built in partnership with affordable housing specialists, Lovell.

The plans, which have been developed in partnership with the district council, parish council and local residents, are designed to meet local housing needs and aim to make better use of existing residential sites, replacing six outdated houses with 14 two and three-bedroom homes, and one bungalow.


The homes are the first to be built by DDH since it was set up in 2007, and have been supported with investment from the Homes and Communities Agency.

All homes will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 to ensure they are energy efficient, and will be available for rent.

Elaine Bradbury, Chair of DDH, said: "We are thrilled to see plans for our first new build homes coming to fruition. By using land that is already built on, we’re using our resources to their full potential both in Woodford Halse and at our second site in Weedon. It's an exciting day for our team and our partners, and is a landmark first step in our work to increase the number of affordable homes available for local people."

The latest research from the National Housing Federation shows that a home in the East Midlands costs 9.3 times local incomes. Around 30 per cent of the population in the East Midlands live in rural areas, compared to less than 20 per cent nationally.

Speaking at the event, Chris Heaton-Harris MP said: "Daventry & District Housing is doing a great job delivering 15 affordable homes into a village that desperately needs them. It was pleasure to take part in the ceremony and I very much look forward to the first keys being handed over to tenants in a few months time."

(CD)