Date published: 29 April 2024
Located off Bishops Lane on the north east boundary of Ringmer village, the site had originally been granted planning permission for a mix of open market homes and affordable housing in late 2023. Thakeham and Stonewater have amended the plans and converted the development to 100% affordable homes, which will be available for rent and shared ownership.
When complete, the new development will include a mix of one, two, three-bed and larger four-bedroom family homes. All homes will have a high energy-efficient rating and benefit from electric vehicle charging points, air source heat pumps and thermally efficient windows and doors, as well as a number of homes featuring solar panels.
Rob Boughton, Founder and CEO of Thakeham said: “We’re thrilled and proud to be partnering with Stonewater again, who clearly share our vision to provide premium quality affordable homes for local residents. Our plans include a mixture of styles and size homes, which are desperately needed in Lewes District.
“This exciting new development will provide both economic, social and environmental benefits to Ringmer. By integrating a range of green technologies and sustainable enhancements, our development ensures residents will enjoy homes that are not only more energy-efficient, but also more affordable to run.”
Jonathan Layzell, Chief Growth & Development Officer, Stonewater said: “Stonewater are thrilled to be working in collaboration with Thakeham to provide 68 high quality new homes, for affordable rent, social rent, shared ownership and rent to buy. This means local people and families can remain where their roots are, in an area they might otherwise be priced out of.
“Stonewater prioritises environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce running costs for customers while minimising our ecological footprint. The environmental and public realm features at Ringmer will contribute to a greener, more cost-effective, and vibrant living environment for our new customers, who we look forward to welcoming later next year.”
Sustainable living is key to the development’s design, with new footpaths to local facilities and transport links. A community orchard, attenuation pond and additional planting of trees and hedgerows will be added to achieve a biodiversity net gain in excess of 10% - surpassing the mandated requirements. There will also be a play area for both new residents and the wider community to enjoy.
The architecture of the new scheme is both distinctive and complementary to the character of the village. It will be built with a varied mix of red/brown bricks, brown tile hanging and white weatherboarding. Roofs will be finished in either red or brown tile, with attractive bonnet hip tiles.
Ample parking will be provided with either on-plot driveway parking, communal coach house and courtyard parking, as well as on-street visitor bays.
Ringmer village is a sought-after place to live with many local amenities including sport facilities, a GP surgery, schools, a library, and a popular parade of shops with a bakers, butchers, general store, café, and more. Lewes is three miles away, easily reached via the B2192 and A26, and has a wider range of supermarkets, shops, bars and cafés. The railway station at Lewes has direct services to London Victoria and Brighton.
Construction is due to commence 13 May and homes will be ready for occupation in Autumn 2025.
Thakeham and Stonewater established their partnership in 2019, having successfully delivered affordable housing across various schemes in Surrey, East and West Sussex. Current projects include Berry Croft in Newick, also in Lewes District, which is nearing completion with 39 homes.