The Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing (HARAH) has reappointed HydeMartlet, part of the Hyde Group, as their preferred partner for the next five years.

HARAH, which was formed in 2005, works to increase the investment in and delivery of affordable housing in Hampshire to support rural communities into the future.

There are at least 37,000 households on waiting lists across Hampshire, and in some rural areas house prices average almost 14 times the local income, pricing local people out of their own community.

HydeMartlet, who was the original partner chosen in 2005, was reselected because it most successfully met the criteria, including quality standards, affordability and the ability to obtain grant funding and forward-fund schemes where necessary.

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Kevin Bourner, Head of Area at the HCA, said: "The provision of high quality affordable homes across rural Hampshire is vital. With house prices so high, it is important that local people have opportunities to access the housing market. HydeMartlet has a successful track record of working with local communities to provide affordable homes and the HCA will continue to support local ambitions where we can."

Since 2005 HARAH have progressed and completed 17 new developments, have two more on site, and a further seven awaiting a planning decision. At least 30 further parishes are talking to HARAH to assess the housing needs in their area, identify sites, and design an affordable homes scheme to meet the needs of their community.

Chris Buchan-Hepburn, Hyde Group Development Manager, said: "On behalf of HydeMartlet, I am extremely pleased we have been reappointed as the preferred partner for HARAH. This has already proved to be a successful partnership and we are looking forward to continuing to work with communities in Hampshire alongside our other partners."

(CD)