Housing association bosses have expressed delight after completing a predominantly affordable homes scheme in a south Suffolk village.

Orwell Housing Association is behind a new mixed 42-home development in Cockfield, near Lavenham, which is made up of a range of open market and affordable homes to meet "the diverse housing needs" of residents.

The Jeffrey's Green development is a "significant milestone" in addressing the demand for high-quality, affordable housing in an area where house prices are high, said Orwell.

Work on the project began in 2017 when it joined forces with Suffolk County Council to bring the land forward for development.

Orwell entered into a joint funding deal with Ipswich construction firm SEH French which helped finance and build the properties. 

Greg Dodds, assistant director of development and growth at Orwell Housing Association, said the completion of the Cockfield development was a "significant achievement".

"This development optimises the strength of Orwell Housing Association as a developer, and a business, because it’s a wonderful demonstration of the variety of tenures we can offer, affordable rent, shared ownership, and outright sale.

"We are really pleased with the result and it means local families have been able to stay in the village they love.”

“We always aim to meet local housing needs. In Cockfield, the properties built were predominantly affordable homes, but we have also catered for the needs of Orwell Housing Association’s commercial arm, Orwell Homes, and built some open market properties."

Cash raised from the sale of the open market homes will be gifted back to Orwell Housing Association to help build more affordable homes.

“We would like to thank Suffolk County Council, SEH French, and all those involved in the successful completion of this project. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in transforming our vision for this development into a reality,” said Mr Dodds.

SEH French boss Simon Girling said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside Orwell Housing Association to provide much needed housing to the Cockfield area.

“By supporting the provision of both affordable homes and private homes, we have created a modern and attractive place for individuals and families to live in a beautiful part of the county.

“Good quality homes are essential for every community and we’d like to thank Orwell Housing Association for the opportunity to deliver them to the local area.”

As well as the 42 homes built by Orwell Housing Association there are eight Suffolk County Council plots for self-build houses.

Three are already taken, one is currently available and the remainder are expected to go on the market later this year through the council’s agent Fenn Wright.

The scheme is linked by a new footpath which joins an off-road route on the old railway line to village amenities. Suffolk County Council is gifting the path and some adjoining land to Cockfield Parish Council, to add to a 3.9 acre field it sold to the parish council in 2020.

Councillor Craig Rivett, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for farms and property, said: “We are proud that this innovative approach has provided such a good scheme for the benefit and enjoyment of local people.”