Work starts on building 21 new homes for rent in Horsham

The new houses are being built in Bennetts Road in a partnership scheme between Horsham District Council and housing association Saxon Weald.

A council spokesman said: “Instead of housing just 11 people as previously, the new development will have the potential to house up to 71 people in a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats and three-bedroom houses.”

The homes will be allocated by Horsham District Council to people on the housing register. The council has provided funding for the scheme through Section 106 contributions from private developers for affordable housing.

Council cabinet member for community & wellbeing Tricia Youtan said: “We have a great history of working with Saxon Weald to deliver affordable homes for residents in our district and we are excited to see this development come to fruition.

“Partnerships like this enable Horsham District Council to continue to deliver the highest number of affordable homes in Sussex.”

Saxon Weald chief executive Steven Dennis added: “Affordable homes are in short supply, so we work hard to make the most of our assets while achieving the best outcomes for local residents.

“This scheme is an innovative use of an existing development site; I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished homes.”

The new homes should be complete by autumn 2021.

The development is one of four planned by the partnership to provide 84 new homes for affordable rent in and around Horsham.