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Julie Siddles has moved into her own home in the village where she has spent most of her life thanks to a new development of affordable homes.
Julie has lived in Swannington, Leicestershire for all but seven years of her life and most recently had been living with her mum.
But she has now moved into one of five affordable homes built in Foan Hill through a partnership involving Leicestershire Rural Housing Association, North West Leicestershire District Council, East Midlands Housing and Swannington Parish Council.
“It’s absolutely fantastic,” says Julie, whose family have lived in the village since 1912, “I love my new home.” Julie’s sister also lives in Swannington and they both help care for their mum.
Richard Blunt, chairman of Leicestershire Rural, explained: “This scheme allows us to meet the affordable housing needs of the village. By having a mix of rental and shared ownership homes we have responded to the village’s needs.”
A housing survey, conducted by the Leicestershire Rural Housing Enabler, revealed a need for affordable housing several years ago.
The district council sold the land, which was occupied by semi-derelict garages, at a discounted price to enable the scheme to go-ahead.
Leicestershire Rural is one of four rural housing associations supported by Midlands Rural Housing – the others operate in Northamptonshire, the Peak District and Warwickshire.
Midlands Rural Housing is part of the East Midlands Housing (EMH) group which manages around 8,000 affordable homes. EMH built the homes and they will be managed by Leicestershire Rural.
