Cash boost for Berryfields

A development to provide new and affordable homes in Buckinghamshire is back on track after a £4.945 million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The first phase of Berryfields in Aylesbury is forecast to contain 384 new homes of which 30 per cent will be affordable. The new homes will be built by Taylor Wimpey, and the affordable properties will be managed by Paradigm.

The national housing and regeneration agency has worked closely with Taylor Wimpey, Paradigm and Aylesbury Vale Council to unlock the site after the economic downturn put plans on hold.

The HCA’s investment and regeneration manager Marc Thompson said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates the HCA’s commitment to providing new and affordable homes for communities across the south east.

“This is an important development for Aylesbury Vale, and I’m proud that we can support our partners to provide affordable and quality housing for the community.”

The HCA funding is forecast to provide 73 social rent and eight New Build HomeBuy properties which will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.

Andrew Main, Paradigm’s executive director of development, said: “We are delighted to be working with the HCA, Aylesbury Vale and Taylor Wimpey on this important development and are proud to play our part in providing much-needed, affordable housing in this part of Buckinghamshire.”

Aylesbury Vale District Council is contributing a further £1,254,000 to help unlock this development. Councillor Michael Edmonds, cabinet member for economic development, said: “I am delighted that this major development is now moving forward. A considerable amount of work has been undertaken by our officers to get this project started. It will bring many benefits to local residents including new homes, jobs, schools and a new link road.”

Construction will begin in March 2010 with the first units expected to be complete in March 2011.