High Sheriff unveils the 2035th affordable home for Colne Housing

Thursday 26th June 2008

Sixteen new affordable homes owned by Colne Housing in north east Essex were given the seal of approval by the county’s High Sheriff in a special ceremony held in St. Osyth. The event marked the unveiling of the Society’s 2035th home as part of its 35th anniversary year.

The Queen’s representative, Mrs Sarah Courage, was guest of honour at the official opening of the 16 new homes in St Osyth which have been built in close partnership between Colne Housing, development company Iceni Homes, the St. Osyth Almshouses Charity St. Osyth Parish Council and Tendring District Council. The land was the site of a disused school, transferred from Essex County Council to the St Osyth Almshouse Charity after several years of negotiations.

Chairman of Colne Housing Bill Frame said: “Rural housing is vitally important and we at Colne are proud of this superb development as it provides excellent homes for local people in one of the prettiest towns in the county. We were honoured that the High Sheriff was able to attend to mark the occasion of our 2035th home, which is a milestone in our 35 year history.”

Part of the development has been named Clinton Close, to reflect the contribution made by Alan Clinton, the Chairman of the St. Osyth Almshouses Charity, who has been involved in the project from day one. He planted a tree to mark the opening of the scheme which includes five homes for which the charity has nomination rights.

Mr. Clinton said: “The scheme represents a unique collaboration with a number of organisations who have come together to ensure the development was successful and as a result provide much needed affordable homes.”

The total cost of the project was £1.8m with the assistance of a grant of £860,000 from the Housing Corporation. The properties will include five specially adapted bungalows for wheelchair users, eight flats and three houses.

Posted by Kim for Colne Housing Society Ltd.