New Forest District Council (NFDC) is providing 42 new affordable homes in Fordingbridge.
The development, named Knightwood Chase, is being built by Cala Homes and includes 28 homes for rent and 14 shared ownership properties, through a mixture of apartments and 2 and 3 bedroom houses.
The homes are energy efficient, set to achieve an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of B, and include new sustainable technology including solar PV panels and air source heat pumps on selected plots, with electric vehicle charging points available for all residents across the development.
The properties also include bird and bat boxes, hedgehog friendly fencing, and bee bricks to support local wildlife.
Cllr Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, and Cllr Derek Tipp, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, visited the Knightwood Chase site on Wednesday 26 March 2025 to mark the start of the development.
Cllr Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, said: “We know how important affordable housing is for local people, and this development is a fantastic example of how we are increasing the supply of high-quality homes.
By offering both rental and shared ownership options, we’re ensuring that more residents have the opportunity to stay in the area and live in homes that are modern, comfortable, and affordable.”
Claire Studdart, Affordable Homes Manager at Cala Homes, said: “We’re very proud to bring high quality affordable housing to Fordingbridge.
Addressing local housing need means providing a range of fantastic homes available through a range of tenures for future residents, and we’re so pleased to have achieved that in partnership with New Forest District Council.
“Our commitment to the local area reaches beyond delivering homes. Through our Community Pledge, we look forward to our collaboration with local residents to provide further support for Fordingbridge.”
The 17-hectare site will also provide new pedestrian and cycle routes, and 9.8 hectares of new public open space.
This public open space will include over six hectares of Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace.
The development will see a minimum 10 per cent biodiversity gain on the site.
More information about the development, and guidance on how to register, is available at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3949/New-housing-development-Knightwood-Chase-Fordingbridge