Local MP welcomes new affordable homes as exciting Aylesham Village project nears completion

Mike Tapp, the local MP for Dover & Deal visited Aylesham Garden Village as it nears completion and welcomed the latest phase of homes for affordable rent and shared ownership that have been made available for local people.

The project from Dover District Council aims to deliver 1,292 homes including over 300 homes for shared ownership or below market rent to meet local housing needs. Persimmon Homes South East is delivering 646 new homes in total and along with another developer, contributing half of the £7m investment into local facilities and improved infrastructure. This includes money for a new sports hall at Aylesham Leisure Centre, investment into Aylesham Health Centre and £1.3m for local primary schools.

Delivered in partnership between Persimmon and Places for People, the latest phase of 73 homes includes a mixture of 40 homes for affordable rent and 33 homes for shared ownership. Alongside the delivery of homes for those in housing need, Persimmon is proud of its record in helping more first-time buyers. Over 50 per cent of homes sold privately at the development has enabled first-time buyers to get their foot on the ladder.

Martin Crick, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes South East said “We’re very proud of the high-quality homes that we have delivered at Aylesham Village as well as the significant investment we have made into the local community with improved facilities and infrastructure. Our record in helping first-time buyers and meeting local housing needs leaves a positive lasting legacy as the project draws to a close. We’re delighted that we have managed to help so many people.”

John Kerr, Managing Director of Places for People South East added “At Places for People, we believe partnerships will help us meet this country’s housing shortage. Our commitment to creating thriving communities where people want to live and grow drives everything we do, and working with Persimmon here at Aylesham will provide a variety of homes to meet local needs, helping to build a vibrant neighbourhood where people feel a true sense of belonging. Together with our partners, we’re not just building homes; we’re building futures.”

Mike Tapp, MP for Dover & Deal commented “I was very pleased to see great quality, highly sustainable new homes being built in Aylesham along with proper investment into local public services and facilities. It was great to hear how many homes have benefitted first-time buyers, and I was also pleased to see lots of affordable homes that will really benefit local people in Dover and Deal. This is exactly the type of development we need.”