With the building of new homes outlined as a top priority in the housing minister, Mark Prisk's brief, the announcement that contracts have been signed on a major affordable housing scheme on the edge of Northampton means the town will soon benefit from over 100 houses and apartments.

Loughborough-based contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd will commence work on the £11.2m Booth Rise scheme in December, marking a milestone both for the company and Northampton. Booth Rise, off Lumbertubs Way, is not only a scheme the developer has secured through the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA) Delivery Partner Panel but is also the first of its kind in Northampton.


"Securing this scheme as part of the HCA's Delivery Partner Panel represents a landmark for our partnerships division and we are proud our expertise in this sector has been recognised," said Richard Cornes, partnerships director at William Davis. "Booth Rise will help alleviate Northampton's current shortage of affordable housing by providing quality homes and a modern, sustainable environment for local families. We look forward to commencing the build programme."

William Davis is working in partnership with affordable housing provider, Orbit Homes, Northampton Borough Council and the HCA to deliver the 111 residential properties at Booth Rise. Comprising 99 houses (11 of which are Mobility) and 12 apartments, the scheme will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3. Unusually for a project of this type, half the new homes will be available for affordable rent with the other half for shared ownership, typically the split is 70/30 respectively.

(CD)