FIVE ‘affordable’ homes are to be built on a former garage site in Langney, with preparation work now under way.
The development in Biddenden Close is being delivered by Eastbourne Community Land Trust (ECLT), with Eastbourne Borough Council managing the project on its behalf.
Three three-bedroom houses and two two-bedroom houses will provide rented accommodation for local people. Completion is scheduled for summer 2027.
Each home will have an air source heat pump, an electric vehicle charging point and a four-panel solar photovoltaic system to help reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. The scheme also includes parking, access improvements and landscaping.
Councillor Peter Diplock, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “It is fantastic to see this important affordable housing project coming to life.
“These five new homes will provide much-needed affordable rented accommodation for local people and demonstrate what can be achieved through strong partnership working.
“We are pleased to be supporting Eastbourne Community Land Trust in bringing this scheme forward and look forward to seeing the homes completed next year.”
Grant funding was secured with support from the borough council after ECLT asked for assistance in progressing the development.
Following a tender process carried out by the trust in 2023, the council worked with contractor OSM, legal representatives and the employer’s agent to finalise contracts and allow work to begin.
Sandy Medway, Chair and Chief Officer of ECLT, described the start of work as an exciting milestone for the trust and its partners.
She said: “Our ambition as a registered Community Benefit Society is for our 200 members and social investors to work with local communities in creating genuinely affordable homes for local people and to ensure these homes remain an asset within the community for future generations and years to come.
“By combining locally afforded rents with energy-efficient design, these homes will be budget-friendly to live in as well as low-cost to rent. We are grateful for the support of Eastbourne Borough Council, Homes England and our project partners in helping turn this long-held ambition into reality.”
