Sappling delivers more in the downturn

An alliance of South East Housing Associations has completed more than 700 affordable homes in towns across the Region, and announced that a further 800 are under construction.

The record £104m investment comes amid a national housebuilding slump, and highlights Sappling's ability to seize new opportunities across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and Sussex.

In 2008-09, Sappling members delivered 710 affordable homes, within this funding programme - 138% of its annual target - from apartment blocks and regenerated estates to suburban houses and village homes. A further 913 affordable homes in and around this area are due to complete by March 2010.

Opportunities

Sappling Director Yvonne Thomson said: "This is an extremely challenging environment in which to deliver affordable homes, not least with continuously changing funding regimes and market conditions.

"We couldn't have achieved this without the range of industry partners we work with, who have helped us develop our market intelligence so we can continue to seize opportunities as they arise."

The development alliance has focused on delivering more affordable homes in Andover, Basingstoke, Aldershot, Portsmouth, Petersfield, Epsom, Worthing, and Newbury.

Meanwhile, Sappling has announced that Wessex Housing Partnership has now left to join another consortium.

Yvonne adds: "Wessex has been a valued partner over the last five years, helping us to cement our position as Hampshire's top-performing alliance, so we wish them well."