Fifty-four new houses have been given the green light in Haddenham, including 19 affordable homes.
Last week the Haddenham Community Land Trust was given full backing by East Cambridgeshire planners to go ahead with its development.
The houses will be built by Palace Green Homes, following two years of work by the Haddenham CLT and Parish Council.
They will range from one bedroom bungalows to large, four bedroom houses, situated on eight acres of land off West End.
The developers promise “generous” green space as part of the plans.
Nineteen of the homes will be transferred to the CLT to own and manage as affordable housing for people with strong connections to the area.
Councillor Mark Hugo, who chairs the CLT, praised the decision, saying it would greatly benefit the village and help provide affordable homes for local young families.
“The site design was greatly influenced by local people following regular consultations with residents.”
Cllr Charles Roberts, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council said he was “thrilled” to bring the project to fruition, adding it demonstrates the council’s “can do” attitude when it comes to housing.
“Providing genuinely affordable local homes for local people though the Community Land Trust scheme is at the heart of East Cambs housing policy and it is something we are fully committed to supporting and developing.
“East Cambs is proud to be leading the way in building community led housing and making our district a fantastic place to live and work.”
Haddenham Ward Councillor Steve Cheetham added: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the village of Haddenham, which like so many local villages faces the challenge of providing access to affordable homes which are vital to a sustainable community.
“Having spoken to a number of residents at the consultation meetings, I am confident this CLT scheme will transform the lives of many local residents.”
A pledge to deliver a CLT scheme at Haddenham was a key part of the new East Cambs Corporate plan 2017-2019, which was recently unveiled.
A CLT is a non-profit organisation, run by ordinary people to develop and manage homes, community gardens, buildings and other spaces on behalf of a community.
For more information about the West End Development click here.
ECDC recently released a video outlining its aims from the corporate plan. You can view the video here.
