Waverley’s new Rainbow Coalition pledged to provide more affordble homes and it is doing what it said on the tin.
A site in Haslemere Town Centre approved in 2018 for 138 apartments with no affordable housing will now include 45 apartments at affordable rents.
‘Your Waverley’s’ previous administration approved the scheme for 138 apartments with no affordable housing on a vacant site between Majestic Wine and the railway bridge in Wey Hill over a year ago.
At the time, previous owner Brettenwood Investment Holding told planners four financial companies had assessed the site claiming that affordable housing was not viable, and they believed them!
Planners believed it was high time the prominent site, which had stood empty surrounded by hoardings for 12 years was developed. Although some councillors voiced concerns at the absence of affordable housing, consent was granted.
Howver, building work never got under way and the site has since become even more of an eyesore. Recent storms demolished part of the dilapidated hoardings, now replaced by mesh fencing. Now, at last good news for Haslemere, following the site’s acquisition by developer The Radian Group.
It intends to implement the planning consent and start building this summer. It will include 45 apartments of much-needed affordable rental properties to meet the large town’s growing demand for low-cost housing.
James Pennington, development director of Radian Group, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to purchase this site and will be developing the site with homes, which are in keeping with the local area.
“We hope to be on-site late in the summer and we expect the new scheme to be completed in under two years.
“This development will provide 45 much-needed affordable apartments, and include basement car parking, electric charging points and is in walking distance to the station.”