Last Friday, I had the privilege of planting a tree and officially opening Pond Fields Close - a new development of 16 affordable homes in Little Hallingbury. Built by Hastoe Housing Association, 13 of the homes are let at affordable rents - around £580 p/m for a 1-bed house - and three are shared ownership properties, also for local people with a connection to the area. Two of the young mums living there now live 5 minutes from their parents. Solving the housing crisis is second only to Brexit in terms of Government priorities. Developments like Pond Fields Close, which are built sustainably and with minimal damage to the existing community, are an effective solution to the problem. The properties are all built to energy-efficient standards, reducing CO2 emissions by 70% compared to the average UK building and ensuring inexpensive utility bills. I look forward to seeing the next Hastoe development in Newport come to life.
