The first residents and shared owners at Branstone Farm have picked up the keys to their new homes.
Branstone Farm is a development in Arreton, described a template for 'regeneration, sustainability, and inclusive living.'
The site has been jointly developed by the Isle of Wight Council and Vectis Housing Association and features two, three and four bedroom properties for rental and shared ownership.
Each of the 42 homes has been built to a high specification for energy efficiency, to help reduce energy use.
The site also boasts an open green space, a communal orchard and garden to grow and harvest produce, and activities and events to cultivate a sense of community.
Tracey Wagstaff, who has moved into one of the affordable private rental properties, said:
“Being a single parent of three children has been challenging, with a constant worry of being asked to ‘move on’ at short notice.
"This is a new start for my little family with a new home, a new mobility car and my new ability dog, Honey, who I trained during lockdown.”
Martyn Pearl, Chief Eexecutive Officer at Vectis Housing Association, said:
“Branstone Farm is a major housing project for the Isle of Wight given the recognised shortage of affordable homes, particularly to support those households on medium and low incomes.”
Councillor Ian Stephens, Cabinet Member for Housing Provision, said:
“I am delighted that the first residents have moved into their new homes at Branstone Farm. Our partnership with Vectis Housing on this project is an example I want to see replicated on other council owned sites on the Island, bringing our Biosphere vision to life.
"Addressing islander housing needs is a key priority for this administration, and I want to put on record the contribution of Cllr Clare Mosdell in making this happen.
"The impact on people's wellbeing of having a safe, secure home cannot be underestimated, but also feeling part of a local community and having great access to green space must be key aspects of all the housing delivery this council supports.”
Sharon Harvey, operations director, and Jo Sandells, housing services manager, at Vectis Housing Association summed up:
“It’s lovely to be here to see the start of this new community at Branstone Farm, and we look forward to seeing it grow and flourish.”
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