Affordable homes ready for tenants in Winfarthing

People will soon be able to take advantage of six new homes which have been built in a south Norfolk village.

The Saffron Housing Trust scheme, on Church Close, Winfarthing, was launched by local officials, although tenants will have to wait a few more days for the electricity supply to be completed before they can move in. Tenants will be chosen from a housing list once the homes are ready.

The unveiling comes during Rural Housing Week, from June 10 to 16, a nationwide initiative which aims to highlight social housing.

Hingham and Deopham ward councillor for South Norfolk, Yvonne Bendle, said the Winfarthing houses would benefit the whole community.

'It's very important to us to keep the affordable homes flowing and make sure the people on the housing register get the best start,' she said. 'Affordable homes are so important, especially for young people who find it difficult to get on the housing ladder.'

The development, which consists of one one-bedroom and one two-bedroom bungalows, one one-bedroom, one two-bedroom and one three-bedroom houses and sits in a crescent shape around a green, took about two years from conception to completion, with the build beginning last autumn.

Saffron architect Jacinta Webb said people had the chance to choose between a modern or a cottage design at a previous public consultation, with the latter coming out as favourite.

The work was carried out by Saffron-owned subsidiary Crocus, which won the contract when it was put out to tender.

Chairman Derek Player said: 'We're not going to stop the closure of every school or pub but schemes like this can do an awful lot to sustain village life. It's far easier to build 30 houses in a rural site but things like this are very rewarding to do.'

Nine-year old Megan Norgate and Grace Simpson, 10, from All Saints' Primary School in Winfarthing, cut the cake at yesterday's launch.