Places for People Submits Plans for 87 Affordable Homes in Huntingdon

Building on its commitment to increasing the number of homes in Huntingdon, Places for People (PfP) has submitted plans to Huntingdonshire District Council for 87 new energy efficient, affordable homes.

The proposed development forms part of the regeneration of land off Suffolk Close and represents the next step in  PfP’s continued investment in Huntingdon to create new, sustainable, modern family affordable housing.

The plans will replace a collection of dated residential buildings, including the ageing seven-storey Suffolk House block, with 87 modern, purpose-built affordable homes. The development will include a mix of one- to four- bedroom homes, providing homes for individuals, couples and families.

The development will provide a mix of apartments and family townhouses, offering a balance of social rent and shared ownership tenures. Every home has been designed to meet accessible and adaptable standards, with provision for wheelchair-accessible homes, ensuring the new homes supports a wide range of needs.

Located just a mile from Huntingdon town centre, the development benefits from easy access to both national retailers and independent shops, as well as an array of cafes restaurants and leisure facilities. For people looking for access to green space, Hinchingbrook Country Park and Riverside Park are within walking distance.

The site is well connected, with the A1 less than five miles away and Peterborough train station a six-minute drive, giving people access to London within the hour. Several good-rated schools, from primary through to secondary level are also nearby. John Kerr, Regional Managing Director for PfP Developments, South East comments: “In today’s challenging economic climate, delivering 100% affordable housing as part of a regeneration scheme is a significant achievement. It demonstrates our commitment to creating homes that are not only high quality, but genuinely accessible to those who need them most.

“The plans have been thoughtfully designed, with two apartment buildings and 10 family townhouses set within enhanced green surroundings. The development will deliver over 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, with new tree planting, and native hedgerows and, alongside sustainable drainage and secure cycle storage to support healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.”

This latest investment from the social enterprise reflects PfP’s long-standing commitment to the local area. Over the last five years, the organisation has improved the EPC ratings of their homes, and delivered more than 130 new homes with an EPC rating B or above. It has also brought forward 29 additional energy-efficient homes across former brownfield sites.

In March last year, following their creation of the Thriving Communities Consortium, PfP committed to modernising more than 500 homes over five years with the support of funding from the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund - saving customers up to £500 on their annual bills. The organisation also supports more than 30 local projects across the region, generating over £200k in social value for the local community.

This latest scheme will contribute through S106 obligations while creating further opportunities to deliver additional social value locally.

John Kerr continues:

“Huntingdonshire has long been one of our heartland communities, where we own or manage over 6,000 homes. We remain committed to supporting the area and identifying opportunities to invest in its future.

“We know how important affordable housing is to the local area and we’re proud to continue investing in a community that has been a part of PfP for many years.”