‘Prime land’ used for town’s biggest affordable housing scheme in decades
Work has started on a 24-home development in one of Norfolk’s most spectacular spots.
The affordable houses are being built on a one-hectare site next to The Reef leisure centre off Weybourne Road, Sheringham, and will boast views of the sea, the hilltop Sheringham Golf Club and the steam trains of the North Norfolk Railway, also known as the Poppy Line.
Flagship Homes is building the development – called West Wood – alongside King’s Lynn-based EN Suiter & Sons.
Peter Waplington, Flagship Homes’ senior project manager, said it was Sheringham’s biggest affordable housing scheme in decades.
Mr Waplington said: “The location of our new housing development is truly picturesque.
“Future residents will enjoy views of the Poppy Line and north Norfolk’s beautiful coastal landscapes, while being a stone’s throw from the town’s beach, high street, and leisure facilities.
“Sheringham is a popular destination, and there’s a huge need for affordable housing in the area.
“We’re excited about West Wood and the high quality, affordable homes we’re building, which will be part of a sustainable and thriving community.”
Eighteen of the homes will be for affordable rent and six will be for shared ownership – a scheme which allows people to gradually buy their home while paying rent on the remaining share.
There will be a mix of one-to-four-bedroom houses and bungalows.
Mr Waplington said the project was being developed using ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ which sees walls and other components built in a factory before being assembled on-site. This new process can be almost twice as fast and is more eco-friendly than traditional methods.
He said they were using a ‘fabric first’ approach, meaning the homes would all have a top energy rating primarily thanks to the materials used rather than relying on mechanical or electrical add-ons.
That said, the new homes will feature electric vehicle charging points, solar panels and air-source heat pumps.
Mr Waplington said: “The contractor EN Suiter is using local labour and tradespeople wherever possible.”
James Dagless, EN Suiter project manager, said: ‘’We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Flagship to provide affordable houses for the local area.”
The project should be finished by spring next year.