A TREE-planting ceremony marked the transformation of a former Royal Navy Armament Depot brownfield site at Marchwood, into a £2.6m social housing development.

Comprising 43 homes at Magazine Lane, the Western Challenge Housing Association scheme has been built in partnership with New Forest District Council.

The development provides 12 one-bedroomed flats (with rental at £46.75 a week), nine two-bedroomed houses (£62.15), 18 three-bedroomed houses (£68.85) and four four-bedroomed houses (£75.52). A circular play area is also being constructed. The total cost of the project is £2,669,000, with the majority of the finance provided through Western Challenge and the remainder from New Forest District Council and the Housing Corporation.

Said Western Challenge group chairman Alastair Hoare: "We are delighted to see this project come to fruition. It provides a much-needed resource for New Forest District Council and local people and further illustrates the association's commitment to providing affordable homes to those in housing need."

Councillor Delia Wilson, chairman of New Forest District Council housing committee, joined John Dunk from the Government Office for the South East to plant the tree, selected to complement the surrounding Forest.

"Partnership is really demonstrated here in so many ways,'' said John Dunk, while Councillor Wilson commented on the "excellent standard" of the properties as she unveiled a plaque.

Western Challenge chief executive, Wayne Morris, also praised Crest Homes for putting the scheme together, adding: "Something of this quality is to be celebrated.

"We need many more developments of this type.'' Also present were representatives of Marchwood Parish Council.

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