Building will shortly commence on the first affordable homes in Whaddon Village, providing much needed housing to this area of South Cambridgeshire.

To mark the occasion and in recognition of the National Housing Federation’s Rural Housing Week, bpha held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday 12th July on the site where the houses will be built. The event was also attended by representatives from South Cambridgeshire District Council, Whaddon Parish Council and Bramall Construction.

John Cross, Chief Executive, bpha said: “Every journey must begin with a single step or, in this case a single cut. It was important for us to commemorate the start of this particular journey because, along with providing much needed affordable housing, the plans for Whaddon embody Rural Housing Week.  The week, and the construction of these new homes, is all about building homes for local people so that they can remain in the rural community that they know and love, and not be forced to move somewhere unfamiliar and away from family and friends.” 

Part funded by the HCA and in accordance with the planning requirements of a Section 106 agreement, the site will be a combination of eight two and three bedroom properties with private gardens and allocated parking. Five of these will be available for rent and three for shared ownership purchase at up to maximum 80% equity share of the open market value.

The project follows the purchase of land from Cambridgeshire County Council at the modest cost required to ensure the delivery of affordable housing at this site. It is the fifth site that the County has sold in South Cambridgeshire for a total of 77 affordable properties.

Mr Cross continued: “Whaddon is quiet and peaceful, yet still within easy reach of Cambridge and the local vicinity so it’s an ideal spot for commuters. It’s a great location for anyone seeking the village life.”

Councillor David Bard, vice-chairman for South Cambridgeshire Council said: “We’re proud to be a part of this historic event that marks the end of an extensive period of planning and negotiation between the local councils, the parish and planning authority. We have been planning this for some time and we look forward to seeing the building start soon.”

Robert Loudoun, Construction Director at Bramall Construction said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside bpha, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Whaddon Parish Council and the local community to help to deliver new homes for the village.

“At Bramall we work closely with communities to ensure that their needs are met and we are pleased that the plight of the need for new housing for rural communities is being marked by the National Housing Federation’s Rural Housing Week.”

The houses will be ready for occupation in January 2012 and available to anyone with a local connection to Whaddon who meets the eligibility requirements.