Dorset councillors visit completed affordable homes in Hazelbury Bryan

The homes have been developed by AJC Group, one of the region's leading housebuilders and Abri, one of the south’s largest housing providers. Of the 21 homes, six homes are for affordable rent and 15 homes are available to buy through shared ownership. To help local buyers, some of the homes will only be sold to people with an existing connection to the area such as anyone living or working close by or having family living locally.

Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety at Dorset Council said: “Homes in stunning rural locations like this often come at a premium which is why it’s so rewarding to see these completed homes which will help more people onto the housing ladder.

“Affordable housing supports the community and is one of the main contributing factors that enables local people to remain. Dorset Council continues to work closely with our communities to build more homes where they’re needed, and we’re committed to supporting the delivery of the right homes in the right places for generations to come.”

Andrew Billany, Corporate Director of Housing at Dorset Council, said: “We know that there is a great need for affordable housing in predominantly rural areas like Hazelbury Bryan. Our Housing Register shows that to be the case, with many local people unable to find homes they can afford in the area. The new homes at Violet Cross are a vital contribution to help Hazelbury Bryan thrive as a place and as a community. Violet Cross provides a great place where local people and families can settle and enjoy all that Dorset offers. Dorset Council applauds the scheme and we are proud to have been part of making it happen.”

The community focused brownfield redevelopment has transformed the almost two-acre (0.73 Ha) site - formerly the Handley Cross Depot - which had lain derelict for eight years. It has also delivered biodiversity gains by enhancing boundary hedgerows and retaining and maintaining mature trees within the site. Ecological features have also been integrated into the structure of the properties, including two bee bricks per dwelling for solitary bees.

Ralph Facey, Director of Operations at Abri said: “The power of collaboration is invaluable to the housing sector and Violet Cross is a great example of what can be accomplished by working together. Thank you to Dorset Council and AJC Group for what has been achieved here. Working in partnership we’ve helped deliver high-quality, affordable homes in a beautiful rural location that will help to strengthen the community.

“Affordability is such a key issue now, particularly with the increased cost of living and the significant demand for affordable housing, so it’s great to be making all these 21 new homes affordable. Abri is committed to supporting communities and we hope these new sustainable, eco-conscious homes have all the elements needed for the community to thrive.”

Planning permission was awarded to AJC Group for a collection of 13 open market homes and eight affordable dwellings (40%). However, AJC Group has worked with Abri to deliver the scheme for 100% affordable housing, thanks to funding from Abri and Homes England. Site remediation and construction work took a total of 18 months to complete. Designed by Morgan Carey architects, there are five two-bedroom homes and 16 three-bedroom houses, with a variety of elevations, to create a striking street scene.

David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We are extremely proud of this partnership project. Working together with Abri, we have transformed a derelict brownfield site into 21 outstanding new homes. These eco-focused houses are in line with our aim and vision to produce higher quality affordable homes throughout the Wessex region, responding to the housing needs of this previously underserved rural community.”

The nearest small town to the Hazelbury Bryan development site is Sturminster Newton, which is nearly five miles away.

AJC Group and Abri have constructed the Violet Cross scheme with a simple palette of high-quality materials. This has been derived from the traditional local context and character of the hamlets, while providing cohesiveness and a sense of place to ensure that the development fits in with the village. The development design reflects the agricultural and functional appearance of the former commercial buildings, while also responding to the rural edge.

The development incorporates a new hibernaculum for native species to migrate into and hedgehog highways have also been installed between the homes. Engagement with the local community informed the landscaping choices in respect of the public realm, and the scheme adheres to a strict biodiversity mitigation environment plan.