Building starts on new Rye homes

Councillor Robert Ellison, chairman of Rother District Council, turned the first sod of soil to mark the occasion at the site in Udimore Road where 135 new homes are to be built.

The plans have attracted public anger because the development is on a greenfield site.

There are also still concerns from people living in the Tilling Green area that the new development will lead to water run-off, increasing the risk of flooding.

Heavy rain has caused the estate to flood twice this year.

The scheme has been named Valley Park.

It was originally refused by planners at Rother District Council but that decision was overturned on appeal following a Government inquiry. Full planning permission was granted in June 2008.

Most of the new homes will be built for private sale, offering two, three, four and five bedroom accommodation.

The development also includes a significant number of 'affordable' units for rent, to be offered by Orbit Housing Association and funded by the Homes and Communities Agency.

The properties come with a 10-year warranty and are fully equipped with appliances and carpets.

Built by Jenners, a long-established local builder, the first phase will be offered for sale at the end of this month.

Martin Sandall, managing director, said: "In keeping with our long tradition of service and quality, we are pleased to be building these exciting new homes in historic Rye, for local people."

The homes are being built in the Kent and Sussex style of traditional shiplap boarding, brick and tile.

Anne Fennessy, head of housing at Rother District Council, said: "Valley Park will offer much needed low cost family homes for the people of Rye.

"Affordable housing is part of the solution to the housing and economic crisis."

Kevin Bourner, head of area at the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), said: "I'm delighted that the HCA has been able to support this project and enable our partners to deliver these much needed new and affordable homes in Rye.

"It is good to see a development that has listened to the needs of the community and has ensured that the new homes are sustainable and complement the surrounding area."

Before work could begin on the houses, more than 2million of engineering works had to be built to provide access and safeguard the surrounding area from flood risk.