ABOUT 80 people went to an open day to find out more about affordable homes being built in Bridport by Magna Housing Association.

Bridport couple Stephen Courtney and Geraldine Collins (pictured above) were among those who looked through the plans for 17 shared ownership properties at Dibdin View, at Flaxhayes in North Allington.

Mr Courtney is currently living with his mother , Ms Collins is in private rented accommodation. They would like a home of their own.

“We’ve got a mortgage in place and a healthy deposit,” said Mr Courtney.

“We saw they were building up there but didn’t realise it was behind River Vale, and the houses look nice.”

Zoe Stevens from Bridport is also hoping to get on the housing ladder.

“My partner and I are interested in shared ownership properties and I also had questions about renting,” she said. “The open day was very useful.”

Thirty-eight people registered an interest in the shared ownership properties, which will be a mix of two and three bedroom houses. People with local connections to the town of Bridport and the parish of Allington will be given priority when it comes to allocation. Successful shared ownership buyers will probably acquire round about a 40 per cent share of their property’s market value.

Neil Allsopp, project manager for Charter SW Ltd, Magna’s development arm, said the event at Mountfield was busy throughout.

“We had considerable interest from local families and everyone wanted to know the process and what happens next.”

People who did register an interest at the open day, plus those who were previously registered on the South West Homes ‘Homebuy’ list, should next receive a letter giving them a formal opportunity to apply for one of the properties, as building work continues over the summer.

The total cost of the Flaxhayes development is more than £8 million, with £3.5 million coming from the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency.  Work should be finished by the end of March 2011.

There will also be 37 homes for rent. Staff from West Dorset District Council and Magna gave advice about these.

All properties will be built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, which ensures that homes are built to be highly energy efficient and with a high level of sustainability.

Editor’s Note: Opinion polls in West Dorset consistently show that affordable housing is a top priority for local people. This story is based on a press release issued by Magna Housing Association.

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