The development of 130 much-needed affordable homes was given a boost this week with confirmation of a £8.45 million government grant.

The money from Homes England will help Rother District Council deliver the remaining infrastructure project necessary for the 200-home development at the Blackfriars site in Battle being led by Rother DC Housing Company Ltd (RDCHC).

The funding takes the total grant from Homes England to help deliver a new road and establish utilities on the site to just over £17 million and means the first phase of the project will be completed by the end of the year.

The construction of 200 homes is expected to start in early 2025 and completion expected from 2026 to 2027.  Once finished, the development will offer affordable rented homes and properties for shared ownership as well as homes for private sale.

Cllr Ruairi McCourt, the district council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “I very much welcome the latest funding from Homes England.  The site has been earmarked for development for decades and the council and RDCHC have had to overcome numerous obstacles to get to this point.

“The funding will help the district council complete the infrastructure work which will enable construction of these much-needed homes, which will ease the housing shortage and provide accommodation for families wanting to remain in the area, to finally start.”

All homes will be highly sustainable and low carbon, maximising the use of renewable energy technologies and the development will include 46 affordable rented properties and 84 homes for shared ownership.

Full details about the scheme can be found on our Blackfriars site page.

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Published: 2nd October 2024