Work has started on the construction of ten new affordable homes for rent on two sites in a Norfolk village near the coast.

Representatives from Broadland Housing Association and North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) gathered for a sod-cutting ceremony at one of the sites, on Church Road in West Beckham, directly opposite St Helens and All Saints Church. 

One four-bedroom house, three three-bedroom houses and one two-bedroom house will be constructed on the Church Road site, in the style of a traditional farmhouse and converted barns, set back from the road behind amenity and wildflower areas to create a green opposite the church.

Meanwhile, four two-bedroom bungalows and one one-bedroom bungalow will be built at the second site on Sheringham Road in the village, again arranged in the style of a converted farmyard.

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All of the new homes will be built to a high environmental standard, with air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and electric charging points all contributing to a ‘B’ EPC rating.

The building of the new affordable homes - in an area popular with second home owners - has been made possible through a partnership between Broadland Housing Association, NNDC, and Homes England, as part of a wider package of six Broadland Housing ‘local need exception housing’ schemes across North Norfolk.

Councillor Callum Ringer, district councillor for West Beckham, said: “I am very pleased that we are able to create homes for ten local families in our village, and so glad that people who were brought up here will be able to return – and who would otherwise not be able to live in West Beckham.”

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The new homes on Church Road are due to be completed in spring 2025 and those on Sheringham Road in summer 2025.  

They will then be allocated with priority given to those with connections to West Beckham and adjoining villages. 

The homes will be advertised nearer to completion. Anyone wishing to apply should visit www.north-norfolk.gov.uk.