Press Release

Affordable homes for Essex in double-quick time

12/1/2005
Ref: pr 0058

Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP) and Flagship Housing Group (FHG) complete speedy deal for affordable housing in Chafford Hundred, Thurrock, through Essex Development Partnership (EDP).

The deal to buy fourteen new, two-bedroom, apartments from Bovis Homes was struck in an astonishing three weeks. "We started discussions in early December with the deal complete before Christmas. It goes to show just how quickly affordable homes can be provided if we establish effective partnerships with key developers, such as Bovis," said Doug Malins, Business Development Manager at FHG.

The fourteen apartments in Chafford Hundred, Thurrock, have prime position in the Thames Gateway. Thurrock Council will have the first opportunity to nominate potential owners - particularly key workers - for these stylish, high-quality homes that will be offered on a shared ownership basis.

"These apartments have been built to Bovis Homes' high standards and are really impressive. We expect these two-bed homes to be in high demand with single households and couples," said Stuart Stackhouse, Chief Executive at CHP. "Shared ownership is great news for people in Essex who can't manage to get their foot on the housing ladder. It's an expensive and attractive area within easy reach of London. Offering them on a 50% buy: 50% rent arrangement is a winning solution and makes them more accessible than would normally be possible for those on lower incomes.

"Our view is that an income of about £25k p.a., rather than the normal £35-40k for outright purchase, should mean people are eligible for consideration," continued Stuart. "This scheme highlights CHP's commitment to meeting housing needs in Essex by working in partnership to provide homes and services of improving quality."

The apartments have been constructed to a high standard with fully fitted kitchens with integral hob, fridge freezer, washer/dryer, and dishwasher. Available for occupation now, the apartments have been checked prior to hand-over.

ENDS

Editor's notes:

• Established in May 2004, the EDP agreement has already secured four new affordable housing developments in Essex. The Bovis partnership will see a housing scheme of 35 2-bedroom dwellings built in Saffron Walden and a partnership with the Rural Housing Trust will see fourteen two and three-bed houses available for both rent and shared ownership in Clavering.
• If Thurrock district council do not take up all the shared-ownership nominations, CHP will approach the Housing Corporations' selected RSL to deliver key worker accommodation. If there are no suitable key worker nominations, the apartments will then be available to the general public subject to their suitability for shared ownership.
• The development partnership agreement with FHG enables opportunities for development of affordable homes in Essex to be progressed through CHP. FHG secure and manage developments of new affordable housing and CHP purchase the properties for future ownership and management when completed.
• Anyone interested in the Chafford Hundred apartments can contact Hayley Ovenden on 01603 255407. Or, register an interest through Thurrock Unitary Council by contacting Joanne Hymas on 01375 652320.
• Contact: Victoria Norton on 01245 613111 or victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk