THE chairman of HVHS Housing Group, Winchester, Dave Walden, cut the first turf on the site of a new development of 12 "affordable" homes at Mill Lane, Wickham.

He was joined by parish councillors, guests from Winchester City Council and the various contractors and consultants involved in the scheme.

Jenny Mallet, vice-chairman of the parish council, said: "This is good news for the village. Wickham has a severe shortage of affordable homes and this development will provide housing for families who may otherwise have to move away, against their wishes, to find suitable housing."

The proposal to have an affordable housing scheme in Wickham began back in 2002 and, since then, there have been numerous discussions with the parish council, which promoted the scheme, and Winchester City Council, on the type of development and its location.

An extensive search was made for a suitable site, and land adjoining Dickson Park in Mill Lane, Wickham, was identified and the landowner, Rookesbury Estate, agreed to release it.

It was decided to build four three-bedroom, four two-bedroom and two one-bedroom houses, all for rent, together with a pair of two-bedroom houses for shared ownership.

The scheme was drawn up by Genesis Design Studio, of Romsey, and the construction contract has been awarded to Norman Wright (Portsmouth) Ltd, under the supervision of the Denley King Partnership. The homes are due to be completed by the end of July.

The cost of the scheme has been met by capital grant funding from the Housing Corporation, and private funding from HVHS Housing Group.