Residents have moved into the first new homes at Orbit’s Levett View development, marking an important milestone in the delivery of much-needed affordable housing in Hastings. 

Council Leader, Councillor Glenn Haffenden, joined Orbit colleagues for a tour of the development to see the progress being made on the site and to view some of the newly completed homes that local residents are starting to move into. 

In June, 24 affordable rented homes were tenanted. A total of 140 homes will be delivered at Levett View, with 86 of these for affordable rent or social rent. These homes are capped at Local Housing Allowance rates. The remaining homes are available for purchase through Shared Ownership to help local people take their first step onto the property ladder.  

The development will provide secure, affordable accommodation for households in housing need while helping more residents achieve their aspiration of home ownership, says Hastings Borough Council.  

It says that beyond increasing housing supply, Levett View will deliver wider, “social and economic benefits by enabling people to put down roots, build stable futures and play an active role in their local community”. 

The continued progress at Levett View represents a significant investment in Hastings by Orbit, and an important contribution towards meeting local housing need, offering a mix of affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership homes. 

Mr Haffenden who is also lead councillor for housing, said: “Making sure all our residents have affordable, secure homes is our top priority, so it is fantastic to see continued progress at Levett View. The mix of affordable housing will help meet local housing need and give more people the opportunity to access a safe, secure and affordable home. I welcome Orbit’s continued investment in the town and the positive impact this development will have for local residents.” 

Tom Gooding, Senior Construction Manager at Orbit, added: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Haffenden to Levett View, to show the council the progress we’re making on delivering much-needed new affordable homes for the local area at the site. It’s also great for us to have now welcomed the first residents here and we can’t wait to see the community grow.

“We’re very excited to continue working together with the council on our shared commitment to building more quality, energy efficient, new affordable homes in the borough.”

Homes at Levett View will be energy efficient and are being constructed using modern methods of construction by Orbit, which can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills for residents. 

Levett View is also designed with initiatives to boost biodiversity and enhance community wellbeing, including designated green spaces planted with insect-friendly shrubs and wildflowers.

For more information about Levett View and to view the two, three and four-bedroom homes currently available for purchase through Shared Ownership, visit:?www.orbithomes.org.uk/levett-view.