First homes begin to take shape An innovative housing project to create 21 affordable new homes in Bicester is progressing with the first timber frames beginning to be erected. The Newton Close development, formerly known as KM21, will consists of 21 two and three bedroom properties which will be available on a shared ownership basis as part of Cherwell District Council’s Build! Project. The initiative involves the council delivering affordable properties for residents, who then undertake a schedule of internal works themselves in exchange for a cheaper rental or purchase price. Cllr Debbie Pickford, lead member for housing, said: “There has been a lot of work taking place at Newton Close but the erection of the first timber frames is an exciting stage in this development as it is the first sign of the homes beginning to take shape. We have had a lot of interest in these properties and even though we have yet to lay a single house brick, 17 of these homes have already been snapped up. This goes to prove just how in-demand affordable housing is within Cherwell and how schemes such as the Build! project are taking steps to address this shortfall.” The timber frames have started to be erected for plots 15 – 21 and this work should be completed for these seven properties by 1 August 2014. The frames will then be put up for the remaining properties before work begins on the roofing and brickwork. The development will consist of 14 two-bedroom homes and seven three-bedroom properties, all of which will be allocated at least one car parking space or car port. Each property will be completed to a water tight shell standard with double glazing. Residents will be required to purchase at least 75 per cent of the sale price and pay rent on the remaining share. They will be able to claim a £10,000 discount on their share of the property in exchange for completing a schedule of works including fitting kitchen and bathroom units, landscaping gardens, fitting doors architraves and skirting boards and painting/ decorating. For more information on this or any other Build! projects visit cherwell.gov.uk/build, email [email protected] or call 01295 221615.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000
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