Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan KC has visited Dawsons Green to see progress on a new affordable housing scheme delivering 77 homes on the outskirts of Folkestone.

The development, delivered by not-for-profit housing group Orbit in partnership with housebuilder Chartway, will provide a mix of social rent and Shared Ownership homes aimed at increasing access to affordable housing in the local area.

Of the 77 homes being built at the former brickworks site off Caesar’s Way, 35 will be available for social rent, while 42 will be offered through Shared Ownership.

During the visit, the MP was shown around the site and updated on construction progress, as well as Orbit Homes' tenure-blind approach to development. This approach ensures all homes are built to the same design, safety and customer service standards regardless of tenure.

-- Advertisement --

Representatives from Orbit and Chartway also outlined how the homes have been designed with energy efficiency in mind, with features intended to reduce environmental impact and support residents with lower energy costs.

Plans for the wider development include two public open spaces, one of which will feature a play area designed to support wellbeing and community life.

As part of the visit, Tony Vaughan KC officially opened the development’s new three-bedroom show home by cutting a ribbon.

Dawsons Green is being built on the site of a former brickworks that had been derelict for decades before redevelopment.

Tony Vaughan KC, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, said: "It was great to see first-hand how Orbit is working in partnership with Chartway to provide much-needed new affordable homes for the local area and it was interesting to hear more about the development's sustainability features. I'm excited to see the site continue to progress."

Brian Nearney, Chief Development Officer at Orbit, commented: "We're delighted to welcome Tony to Dawsons Green to show him how the development is progressing and mark the opening of our new show home here. It was great to share more about how we’re working alongside Chartway to bring quality new affordable homes for social rent and Shared Ownership that support the local housing need in the area."