The official opening of 22 new homes was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday 2 December attended by representatives from local social business, B3Living, East Herts Council and Durkan Homes.
The new affordable apartments and houses will be managed by Hoddesdon-based housing association, B3Living, and are part of The Stiles, a 52-home development built by Hertfordshire-based developer, Durkan Homes, working with East Herts District Council. The new affordable homes make up 42% of the overall development.
Of the 22 new affordable homes, 16 have been rented at an affordable rate to local people from the council’s housing needs register while a further six homes were made available on a part buy, part rent basis through the Government’s Shared Ownership scheme. All six have been sold to families who already live or work in the district.
Jon Hayden, executive director (Development) at B3Living, said: “Through this project we have helped 22 families to access a high-quality, low-energy home.
“You need more than half a million pounds to buy the average house in Hertford and affordable housing is in high demand, which makes developments like The Stiles essential for local people.”
In addition to new one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, the site includes landscaped green spaces and a dedicated play area. All homes have high energy performance ratings (EPC) at level B and two apartments have been designed to be accessible for people using wheelchairs.
At the opening event, Cllr Peter Boylan, executive member for neighbourhoods at East Herts Council, commented: “I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved here – a development with 40% affordable housing, only two miles from Hertford town centre.
“Each of these homes will make a big difference to people’s lives here in East Herts.
“East Herts Council is committed to increasing the supply of affordable homes for local people’s different needs with as low rents as possible. That is why I’m especially pleased to see properties at The Stiles that can accommodate a variety of households at rents in line with local housing allowance levels.”
Bill Beyzade, Managing Director of Durkan Homes added, “Local communities are very much at the heart of our developments. Wherever possible we’re committed to playing our part in helping to unlock affordable housing for local people. We’re delighted to have been able to work with B3Living and East Herts District Council at The Stiles to make this happen.”
