New development to deliver more than 100 new homes in Lincolnshire town

Work has begun on Longhurst Group's new, multi-million pound development that will provide more than 100 new affordable homes in the Lincolnshire town of Boston.

Heron Park will be delivered in partnership with builder Chestnut Homes.

Scheduled for completion in 2021, Heron Park will comprise 68 homes for Social Rent, with 20 one-bedroom houses, 20 two-bedroom properties and 28 three-bedroom homes.

A further 35 units will be made available for Shared Ownership, with 13 two-bedroom houses and 22 three-bed properties.

The development is our first since being announced as a Strategic Partner of Homes England – the Government’s housing accelerator – which saw the Group awarded with additional funding to enable an expansion to our already ambitious development plans.

This fantastic development is great news for Boston, a growing town with a need for more affordable housing.

Nick Worboys, Director of Development and Sales, said: “We’re delighted to see work begin at Heron Park, which will deliver more much-needed affordable homes to Boston.

“This development is another a brilliant example of how Longhurst Group works in partnership with local authorities to respond to local need, by delivering affordable housing in areas where it is most needed.

“I’d like to thank Chestnut Homes and Boston Borough Council for their co-operation and support throughout the journey to this stage, as we start work on this fantastic development.

“The affordable housing that this scheme will provide is sorely needed in the town,” added Mrs Worboys, who also sits on the Board of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership as its representative for the housing and development sector.

“We’re now looking forward to seeing it all come to fruition, thanks to the support of Homes England and our other valued partners in this project.” 

The start of work at Heron Park has been welcomed by Matt Warman, Member of Parliament for Boston & Skegness, who said: “This fantastic development is great news for Boston, a growing town with a need for more affordable housing.

“With over £9 billion funding allocated to the Affordable Homes Programme nationally and the recent reforms announced to the National Planning Policy Framework, the Government has set out measures specifically to encourage more affordable housing.

“I want to see more homes built that are affordable for households on lower incomes, so I am encouraged to see Longhurst Group and Chestnut Homes working together to meet the needs of the town.

“I look forward to seeing this development come together.”

Caroline Cormack, Homes England's Head of Home Ownership & Supply for the Midlands region (above), added: “It is great to be working with Longhurst Group and Chestnut Homes in funding a high quality development, designed to meet the needs of local people.

“This is an excellent example of Homes England working with our Strategic Partners to deliver more homes faster, helping communities and providing affordable housing. We look forward to continuing to work with Longhurst to deliver more affordable homes in the future.”

The new development has been welcomed by Boston Borough Council for increasing the provision of affordable housing in a town where, according to the National Housing Federation, the average house price is more than seven times that of the average annual income.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Aaron Spencer, said: “It is great for Boston; it is great for helping us meet our housing needs for delivery. I am proud of all the support shown working in partnership and to move these houses forward.

"Without companies like this we really couldn't afford to bring these opportunities to Boston."