10 new energy-efficient Council houses, constructed by Morris Homes in partnership with the Council on Downing Gardens off Cinques Road, have just been completed. A total of 34 Council homes are being built as part of the development.
All have high levels of insulation to help residents keep energy bills as low as possible and reduce carbon emissions. Bicycle sheds are being provided for every home. The wider Morris Homes development includes a village green area and children’s play equipment – both located close to the new Council homes.
Of the first 10 new Council homes, six will be made available at affordable rent. This is where rent is capped at no more than 80% of the local market rate, including service charges where applicable. All six affordable rent homes are 2-bedroom houses.
The remaining four of the first tranche of Council homes on the site will be available on a shared ownership basis. There are two 2-bedroom homes and two 3-bedroom homes available,
Priority for the new affordable rented homes will be given to those people with a local connection to Gamlingay initially, followed in turn by those with a link to the villages of Hatley, Little Gransden and then Tadlow.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr John Batchelor, said: “It’s excellent to see the first of these new homes come forward in the lovely village of Gamlingay. This is just one of many areas in the district where we are working to provide more homes that are genuinely affordable to live-in. We successfully met our target of doubling the number of new Council homes built in South Cambridgeshire from 35 in 2019/20 to 70 in 2021/22. Our latest plan, part of our proposed budget and business plan for the year ahead, is to work towards 75 new energy-efficient Council homes coming forwards annually. Each one will provide a home for people with a local connection to South Cambridgeshire – helping them to stay close to where they have family and work.”
District Councillor for Gamlingay and Council Leader, Cllr Bridget Smith, added: “Having been to see the high quality of these new homes, I’m thrilled that they are now ready for people with a local connection to the area to move into. This is proof of how we are working to bring forward more homes that are energy efficient and genuinely affordable to live in. This is crucial at a time when we are all under pressure from the huge cost of energy. I’m looking forward to meeting the new residents and know that they will be very happy in our welcoming community.”
South Cambridgeshire District Council has a stock of around 5,600 Council homes. Anyone interested in the new Council homes in Gamlingay should visit www.home-link.org.uk for affordable rent properties. Those interested in the shared ownership properties should visit www.williamhbrown.co.uk and search for shared ownership properties in Gamlingay.
Picture courtesy of South Cambridgeshire District Council
