Affordable Homes Praised At North Kent Scheme
The Lord Mayor of Canterbury has praised Hyde New Homes for its new 400-home development in Whitstable, which features a good proportion of affordable homes.
After cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Whitstable Heights, Cllr Anne Dekker praised the range of affordable rental, Shared Ownership and outright sale homes on offer. She said: “It is good to see that Hyde New Homes is not only recognising this problem of our time, but also attempting to do something about it.”
Cllr Dekker recognised the difficulties many aspiring homeowners face today, citing the rising UK population, fluctuating house prices, inflation, and Covid-19 as just some of the factors contributing to the national housing crisis.The Mayor also called attention to how the lack of affordable housing brings with it a host of negative effects on communities.
She said: “By allowing residents to free up funding, from often limited incomes, to spend on other necessities of life, such as food, heat and water, affordable housing has been proven to raise residents’ wellbeing, encourage social connection, reduce overcrowding, attract employment opportunities, and lower crime rates.”
As part of a collaboration with Canterbury City Council, Whitstable Heights takes inspiration from the late urban planner Ebenezer Howard with the ambition to follow his progressive “Garden City” vision of providing high-quality, affordable housing and locally accessible jobs in “beautiful, healthy and sociable” communities.
Steven Morris, group development and sales director at the Hyde Group, said: “To hear Cllr Dekker’s impassioned speech on the current issues first-time buyers face, has reinforced our overall ethos of creating developments which provide opportunities for the whole community to grow and prosper – starting with affordable homes.
“Our balanced mix of tenure-blind homes for affordable rent, Shared Ownership and outright sale enabling a wide variety of home seekers, and in particular first-time buyers, to find a quality home that suits their personal needs and budget. It is such a joy to see Whitstable Heights flourish with a growing community already.”
Current availability for outright sale homes includes a three-bedroom semi-detached home priced at £412,000, available with a 5% deposit of £20,600. The second phase will be launching this Autumn and more homes will be available for Shared Ownership.
Whitstable Heights brings beautiful new homes to a superb location, famous for its picturesque scenery and seaside delicacies. Situated just a short walk from the town, there are breathtaking views over Whitstable Bay and the Kent coastline. The development is also close to Duncan Down parkland and has plenty of open spaces.
Steven Morris added: “Just minutes from Whitstable Beach, you can reap the benefits of living by the sea, with many locals enjoying relaxed strolls by the shore or even a dip. Alternatively, you can take a walk along the clifftops and witness golden hour as the sun sinks into the sea from the Tankerton Slopes.
“The Harbour itself boasts a sense of quintessentially British charm, and visitors can not only enjoy its eclectic mix of antique stores and independent stalls, but also the town’s array of quaint independent cafés and restaurants and beach-front oyster shacks, making it the perfect location for foodies.”
Find out more at hydenewhomes.co.uk.
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