Nestled in the rolling Sussex countryside is ‘Ambersley Green’ and its adjoining housing parcel ‘Linnet Place’ – a development of 157 new homes across two phases. V10 were instrumental in acquiring both tranches of land and sourcing a select build contractor for Clarion and its private development business, Latimer. The scheme is now comprehensively advanced with many residencies occupied, creating a successful sustainable community aligning with V10’s objectives.
Achieving social value
The scheme provides a range of two, three and four-bedroom townhouses, semi- detached and detached homes. Coupled with this there are also apartments and bungalows contained within the scheme to create further variety in the housing mix. Some of the non-s106 units were delivered by Clarion as additional affordable units with an affordable rent and shared ownership tenure with Homes England grant – thus creating additional social value.
Historic Hailsham town
Hailsham is an area mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was granted market town status in 1252 by Henry III and is seven miles north of Eastbourne. In recent years Hailsham has grown significantly with many new developments attracting new homeowners to the area from greater Sussex and London seeking value for money.
Thoughtfully considered design
Karl Timberlake, Land Director at V10 Homes commented: “Working in development is mostly about plans and figures especially in the evolving pre-construction phases prior to acquisition. Given this scenario, this was a typical textbook deal for V10 to procure. In this regard we worked with a highly professional land promoter, his agent and legal team, Clarion’s new business team, ECE Architecture and Jenner Construction in true collaborative unison. Together we identified the issues and problems and calmly sought the most cost-effective solutions. It was perfect teamwork in motion to achieve a very successful outcome.
“One of the things I remember mostly about this scheme when it was on the drawing board was in deliberating and deciding the appropriate housing mix, layout and tenures to meet local needs of the area. We wanted to get it just right to cover a broad demographic and cater for a range of occupiers from all walks of life. John Stainton, V10’s Pre-Construction Director and I enjoyed spending many hours with a plan, spreadsheet and some coloured pencils creating the vision which has now been realised in built form today. We were especially conscious of delivering homes for those people who we knew needed an affordable home in the area.
“Fast forward to the present day situation and our drone images show a fantastic development that everyone collectively involved can be proud of. What the aerial footage doesn’t show is the joy and happiness of the occupiers of these well-designed homes – some of whom greeted me when I was filming the scheme with the V10 drone. Knowing that around 500 people now have a home gives me intense professional and personal satisfaction – especially as some of them wouldn’t have had one here in the Sussex countryside without V10’s efforts. A reward worth the toil!”
