Uckfield to get 20 new homes on site of former retirement flats

The project in Southview Drive, Uckfield, will be made up of 16 houses and four flats.

It was approved in 2022 but was paused after its previous contractor went into administration. 

Now a new contractor, Trinity Homes, has been appointed. 

The plans are for 20 affordable, carbon-zero homes – 18 for rent, and two for purchase on a shared ownership basis.

There will be 16 houses and four flats (Image: WDC)

Two homes will be suitable for wheelchair users and the remainder built to accessible standards.

The rented homes will be available at "social rent levels" which are around 40 per cent of market rents.

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All homes will be energy efficient with high levels of insulation and the use of heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels to help generate energy. Each home will also be provided with an electric vehicle charging point.

A mock up of the homes (Image: WDC)

Streatfeild House, which is being knocked down to make way for the new homes, was a retirement living scheme that was constructed in 1979 consisting mainly of studio flats owned by Wealden District Council.

Works will restart on the site this spring 2024 and be completed in autumn 2025.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Wealden’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “I’m delighted to see this scheme develop. We know that the cost of living pressures and the climate crisis are inextricably linked – better environmental standards mean lower bills and so fewer families having to choose between eating and heating.

“At Streatfield House we will be providing desperately needed affordable housing with carbon efficiency built in from the start. That means lower energy bills in the future. Exactly what we need.”

Marcus Cory from Trinity Homes said: “We look forward to working with Wealden District Council again to provide much-needed quality affordable housing. 

"This sustainable scheme incorporates net-zero technologies which creates energy-efficient homes that are more cost-effective to live in.  As on all our sites, we will be working with local supply chains and contributing to improving the community.”