Construction starts on 43 new homes in village near Horsham
Construction has started on 43 new homes in a village near Horsham – more than half of which will be available for ‘affordable rent.’
Housebuilders Stonebond have partnered with housing association Aster Group to provide the new houses on land at Millfields Farm, off Horsham Road in Rusper.
Twenty three of the one, two, three and four bedroom homes will be available for affordable rent and 20 for shared ownership.
Aster says that priority for the affordable rent homes will be given to people with a local connection to the area, allocated by Horsham District Council through its housing waiting list.
And, it says, that the shared ownership properties will provide an opportunity for people to get onto, or back onto, the housing ladder.
A spokesperson said: “The scheme allows buyers to purchase a share of a property while paying rent on the remainder, making home buying more accessible and affordable.
“It’s also a secure alternative to private renting and if they want to, purchasers can buy more shares in their property – known as staircasing – eventually leading to full home ownership.”
Aster Group chief investment officer Amanda Williams said: “With average private rents in Horsham now exceeding £1,500 a month and the average price of houses costing over £430,000 many local families are being priced out of the area they call home.
"These rising costs show why our work is more vital than ever: to ensure that people can live and thrive in the communities they love, without being forced to move away due to affordability.
“Not only are we bringing much needed new affordable homes to the area, but biodiversity net gains are also set to enhance the surrounding environment, creating green spaces for the community to enjoy.”
The first homes are expected to be ready in spring 2027, and the development will also include a play area and spaces designed for older children and adults in which to relax.
Rusper Parish Council is involved in selecting play equipment and is expected to take over the management of the open space and play area once complete.
Stonebond Guildford managing director Matthew Whale added: “Everyone knows that the south east suffers from an acute shortage of affordable homes, so we’re really pleased that sites like this one, delivered with a quality partner like Aster, can go some way in helping to address the area’s affordable housing supply.”
Government housing agency Homes England has contributed grant funding towards the development through its social and affordable housing programme.
Anyone who wants to register for the rented homes should contact Horsham District Council.