Affordable Homes for Local People

Four new homes in West Dean were officially opened on Friday 26th October 2002 by Robert Farmer, President of the Edward James Foundation and Andrew Williamson, Managing Director of Hastoe Housing Association.

Flint has been used on the exterior and the houses look similar to older buildings nearby. Rents are £56 a week for two bedrooms and £61 a week for three bedroom houses.

The scheme was supported by Chichester District Council and West Dean Parish Council who confirmed the need for affordable homes. Planning Permission was obtained with the proviso that when the houses are let priority must be given to applicants who have strong connections with West Dean.

There is an unmet and growing need for affordable housing in rural areas where property prices and rents are beyond the reach of an increasing number of people. They have no alternative than to leave the area they know. Andrew Williamson, Hastoe's Managing Director said 'It is only through the efforts of concerned landowners like the Edward James Foundation and housing associations specialising in meeting rural housing needs, that any affordable homes for local people are being built.'

Each house cost £81,000 to build. The Foundation made the land available and Hastoe secured a Social Housing Grant of £126,500 towards the building costs. To keep the rents affordable for local people, Hastoe also made a one off contribution of £112,500 from its reserves.