New homes are ‘made for Ringmer by Ringmer’

Thursday, 16 February 2023 14:05

By Lee Everest @laeverest

Councillors from Lewes District Council visited a development of affordable homes in Ringmer to see how the construction of the properties is progressing.

The Ringmer Area Community Land Trust (RACLT) is responsible for the new housing scheme on Parsons Green, which consists of two, two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses.

Thanks to over £200k community infrastructure levy funding from Lewes District Council and donations from local charities, the homes will be offered for rent at much lower rates than are available on the open market. Tenants will also benefit from lower energy bills resulting from the high energy performance designed into the houses.

Max Pengelley, Chair of the RACLT, said:

“I would like to thank Lewes District Council for the grant funding that has enabled us to provide our community with truly affordable houses for rent.

“These superb new properties will be rented by people with a strong connection to the village of Ringmer and that guiding criteria will remain in perpetuity.”

The RACLT put a focus on using consultants and contractors from the Ringmer area - the architect of the development is Emma Petrykow of Flint Architecture and the builder is Build Red, led by Duncan Redshaw.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

“I love that this development is made for Ringmer by Ringmer!

“The Ringmer Area Community Land Trust’s values and principles dovetail with our plan to spend as much of our resources locally. Support for businesses in the district is so important, never more so than now when many are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“These high-quality homes are fantastic news for Ringmer and I’m delighted that Lewes District Council was able to play a part in their development.”