Pennyfarthing Homes has officially broken ground at Danes Park in New Milton, launching construction on a significant new residential development that will deliver 164 homes.

To mark the milestone, directors from Pennyfarthing Homes welcomed Councillor Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness at New Forest District Council, and Tim Davis, Head of Affordable Housing for a ground-breaking ceremony. Councillor Davies turned the first spade of soil, symbolising the start of the project.

Cllr Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness at New Forest District Council, said: "We are proud to deliver these high-quality homes to our community. This development reflects our commitment to ensuring local people have access to sustainable, well-designed homes in a place they can be proud to call home. With 50% of the homes being affordable, residents will benefit from greater housing accessibility. Additionally, half of the site is allocated for green spaces and recreational areas, providing a better quality of life and fostering a strong sense of community and belonging."


Pennyfarthing Homes acquired the 10-hectare (25-acre) site on Brockhills Lane in 2016 and promoted its inclusion in the New Forest District Council Local Plan in 2020. Planning permission was granted in February 2024, making Danes Park the largest affordable housing transaction undertaken by the council in recent years.

Phil Langdown, Construction Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, commented: "It is always a huge milestone for any development to break ground, and today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for New Milton. This development isn't just about delivering homes, it's about creating a vibrant, inclusive community where people and families at all stages of life can thrive. We are delighted to be working closely with New Forest District Council to bring forward a vision that blends affordability, sustainability, and quality."

The development will feature a range of properties, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom bungalows, and larger family homes. Nearly half of the site will be dedicated to green spaces and recreational areas, supporting both community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.