Construction starts on new affordable homes in Petworth

Award-winning housing association Aster Group has started construction on 34 new affordable homes in Petworth.

Located on Dawtrey Road in the picturesque market town of Petworth, the mix of one and two-bedroom flats and two, three and four-bedroom houses will be for local residents and those with a strong connection to the area. All dwellings will be available on an affordable basis - 12 for social rent and the remaining 22 through shared ownership.

Shared ownership provides an affordable way onto the housing ladder. The part buy, part rent scheme reduces the size of the initial deposit required and, if they want to, purchasers can buy more shares in their property (known as staircasing), eventually leading to outright home ownership.

Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster, said: “Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex and with overall average house prices at an incredible £864,326[1] over the last year, affording to live in the area is beyond the reach of many. Being able to deliver these new affordable homes for this community will make a big difference to local residents. Those keen to stay in the area, close to family and friends, will have access to an affordable home to rent and, for those looking to step onto the housing ladder, there will be an affordable route to home ownership.”

Petworth is a beautiful market town, renowned as a centre for arts and culture. Surrounded by the walls of Petworth House and Park, the town is just over an hour’s drive from London and only 30 minutes from the south coast.

Aster is working with leading local housebuilder,Thakeham, to deliver the new homes. Rob Boughton, Thakeham CEO, said: “As in many parts of the country, demand for affordable housing in the South Downs National Park outstrips supply so we are pleased our first work for Aster Group will help to improve the local need for new homes.”

Sustainability continues to be a priority for Thakeham. The proposed timber frame homes at Petworth are designed to be highly energy efficient and equipped with features to minimise their environmental impact. This means new residents will benefit from high quality housing, lower energy bills and more money in their pockets.”

Councillor Alan Sutton, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communications, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council, said: “Helping local people to access affordable housing in their area is really important to us. This new development will provide much-needed affordable housing in one of the district’s more rural areas and, when built, will provide high quality, affordable homes for those that live and work in Petworth.”

“As part of the council’s Supporting You campaign, aimed at providing information and advice for people struggling with cost of living pressures, we have a designated page on our website designed to highlight some of the housing support that’s available. This includes lots of Q&As, including how the council can support people looking to find affordable housing, and explains the different options. If you’re interested in finding out more, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/helpwithhousing.”

The new affordable homes at Dawtrey Road are being built with funding from Homes England, the government’s housing agency’s Affordable Housing Programme.

 For further information on Aster Group visit www.aster.co.uk.

[1] https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/petworth.html