A MEETING was held on Monday (8th December) at Babington Hall in Trellech to introduce the proposed affordable housing in

Trelleck.

Edenstone Homes have proposed a development of 15 homes in the village, nine of which would be 'affordable' (five houses for rent and four houses for sale).

Stuart Rodden from Eden Stone Homes said: "This proposed development does not yet have planning permission as we are still at the consultation stage but the land is allocated in the Monmouthshire County Council Local Development Plan for affordable housing.

"We built the houses opposite this site and are keen to keep the character of the village and style of the housing the same."

It is hoped that the development, in two sections separated by a field, is in keeping with the rural landscape and general layout of the village.

The affordable homes will be sold through Seren Living who work closely with Monmouthshire County Council.

The criteria for buying an affordable home is based on need and the ability to get a mortgage to cover the cost of the property, therefore they are only open to those with a job. However, the price is set at 50 per cent of the market value of a similar property in the village. This price is set in perpetuity so on resale the house will be sold again for 50 per cent of the market value.

The rental houses are available through Monmouthshire Homesearch, which is the county's housing service.

"Having a local connection is a priority for allocation. We need to house people from this ward in this ward," said Tim Beckingsale, head of Seren Living.

Depending on planning application, the build is expected to start in summer 2015 and houses be available in late summer 2016.

Local councillor, Debby Blakebrough said: "We welcome affordable housing in the ward and I am at this meeting to address any local concerns. So far, the lighting has been the only issue raised, with villagers worrying that more street lights will adversely affect the village. We will be looking at ways to minimise the impact of this."

To apply to be on the register to buy the affordable housing, contact Seren Living: serenliving.co.uk and to apply for a rental property contact Monmouthshire Homesearch and put yourself on the register for housing in this ward:

monmouthshirehomesearch.

co.uk