PARTNERSHIP working has enabled a new housing development to be delivered in Brookvale.

Residents in the May Street area of the ward, along with members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Sovereign Housing, pulled together to bring the new homes on the site forward.

The site was allocated to deliver for 12 new affordable homes, which have now been completed and residents are starting to move into the properties.

Brookvale and King’s Furlong ward councillor Michael Westbrook welcomed the new development.

Cllr Westbrook said: “It seems a long time ago now (in February 2015) when we were first invited as ward councillors by Sovereign to discuss the possible May Street project. It was an exciting new scheme, which we fully supported, to bring much needed affordable housing to Basingstoke.

“We helped to identify any local issues, talked to local residents and made sure the whole community were informed along the way, including the design in respect of the adjacent Brookvale West Conservation Area.

“We also helped inform our residents of the construction timetable and supported them with any issues arising from the construction traffic and works.”

In the borough council’s planning policy, all new housing developments must include at least 40 per cent affordable housing.

Four of the homes which have been built on the May Street site have been allocated as homes that can help first time buyers get on the property ladder.

Luke Bingham, divisional director at Sovereign said: “This is an excellent example of how working together we’ve transformed an old garage site and land previously owned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to produce 12 great homes which really enhance the local area.

“We hope our new residents will be very happy in their new homes in the Brookvale community.”