Date published: 06 August 2021
Leading housing provider, Stonewater, has recently completed work on Thorndun Park, in Jarman Way.
The 23-home scheme is a mix of one and two-bedroom flats and two, three and four-bedroom houses, with 16 properties available for Affordable Rent and seven for Rent to Buy.
Rent to Buy gives working families the chance to rent a new, good quality home at 80 per cent of the market value rent, with an option to buy the property at the end of their five-year tenancy.
The new development includes an attractive area of landscaped public open space, featuring benches and carved wooden stepping logs, for families to enjoy.
Stonewater is also doing its bit to encourage use of sustainable modes of transport, including offering travel vouchers to the new residents.
Supported by South Somerset District Council, Stonewater has helped boost the area’s economy by working in partnership with local companies on the scheme.
Stonewater has previously worked with Boon Brown Architects on other developments, but Thorndun Park has seen the organisation partner with local homebuilder Fisher and Dean Construction for the first time.
Following the successful delivery of Thorndun Park, Stonewater and Fisher and Dean Construction are continuing to build on their partnership by starting work on another affordable development in Somerset.
Matt Crucefix, Stonewater’s Director of Development (South and West), said: “We are pleased to welcome our new residents to Thorndun Park.
“This development has been a great opportunity to work with new and existing local partners to deliver much-needed high-quality affordable homes in this desirable area.
“Rent to Buy provides an affordable option for aspiring homeowners. So, with house prices in the South West continuing to rise faster than the average income, schemes such as this are vital to maintain thriving local communities.”
Councillor Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council and Executive portfolio holder for housing, said: “The Thorndun Park development offers a real opportunity for aspiring homeowners to get on the housing market, with a fantastic blend of affordable housing options. As a District Council, we will enable the delivery of good quality housing in appropriate places to meet community needs and maximise the provision of affordable housing to help meet the needs of our residents.”
Gareth Flowers, Director at Fisher and Dean Construction, said: “Having started the scheme at the end of 2019, no one would have predicted the challenges lurking around the corner. Collaboration between all parties has been the key to delivering this scheme and, as always, it is great to see residents moving into their new homes.”
Georgina Martin, Associate Architect at Boon Brown, said: “It is as always, a privilege to design much needed affordable housing for Stonewater within the Somerset area. The finished homes at Thorndun Park, Chard are both smart in appearance and provide a sense of place within the community. We are encouraged to hear positive feedback from the residents and thank all those involved in helping to deliver this quality scheme.”