Westlea Housing, part of the GreenSquare housing group, has been given the go-ahead to develop 29 new high quality affordable homes for rent on land off Long Barrow Road, Calne.

Local councillors had refused to grant permission for the scheme in April last year – despite planning officer recommendation for approval – but this decision has now been overturned following an appeal by GreenSquare.

Jo Curson, head of development at GreenSquare, said: "We are delighted that this project is finally going ahead. We are now able to develop a high quality scheme with a mix of house types – including a high proportion of bungalows next to the existing estate which will help meet the increasing need for affordable homes in Calne.

"We completed extensive consultation with local home owners during the planning process and made a number of changes to the layout and design following resident feedback, which has benefited the design of the overall scheme.

"As well as helping to meet the shortfall for affordable housing, the development at Curzon Park will bring additional benefits to the area including opportunities for 10 local people to be employed in the construction of the scheme through GreenSquare’s ‘4ward2work’ initiative."

The new homes will be built by Tidestone, the construction arm of GreenSquare, and the scheme is supported by funding from the government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Some of the homes built are expected to be offered for intermediate rent, aimed at households with modest incomes who would be eligible for shared ownership homes. However, obtaining a mortgage is particularly difficult in the current market without a large deposit and intermediate rent provides an opportunity for people to save towards a deposit whilst living in a high quality new home.

It is also hoped that the new development may help free up existing affordable family housing in Calne by encouraging residents who may be better suited to a bungalow to relocate to Curzon Park.

[published online 19/01/11]