New homes for Binsted

Ten local families are delighted to be settling into their brand new homes at Lovell Gardens, in Binsted, Alton, East Hampshire following handover of the properties by HARAH’s development partner, The Hyde Group (Hyde) ahead of Rural Housing Week 2013, which this year took place from 10 to 16 June.

The development, delivered by Hyde and HARAH is a perfect response to the need for affordable homes in rural communities like Binsted. These residents will now be able to remain in Binsted and contribute to its unique and vibrant way of life.

Chris Buchan-Hepburn, New Business Director at Hyde said: “Access to good quality affordable homes is vital to a community such as Binsted and we’re delighted, as part of the HARAH partnership to be able to develop in rural areas. We are especially pleased to be part of a development that has had such local support and community involvement in its delivery and which honours a local family.
“Taking a lead from the principles set out in the Rural Design Guide, we worked with the local community and planners to ensure that the Lovell Gardens complements the environment and provides exactly what is needed in the area.“

Chairman of the HARAH Members Board Cllr Sandra Hawke adds: “We want to ensure that the homes we build are high quality and sensitive to the local area. Our guide offers advice on the development of rural schemes that are good places to live and contribute to the attractiveness and local distinctiveness of their village locations. It will help provide a consistent approach to pre-planning design guidance across our local area.”

Cllr Mrs Jennifer Gray, East Hampshire District Council Portfolio Holder for South Downs National Park and Housing said: "Binsted is an excellent example of a village where a local housing need was identified and through partnership working a new development was provided. This has not only helped to meet local housing needs in the village but the development also compliments the village of Binsted as a parish within the South Downs National Park. These homes have all been provided for people with strong local connections and has also created vacancies within the older housing stock. I believe Binsted demonstrates how close partnership working has resulted in such a successful village development."

Lovell Gardens is named after a long established and respected local family who have played a major part in the life of the village for many years.