Pictured above: (l-r)  Andrew Toulerton, assistant director, planning, North East Derbyshire DC, Paul Casey, development director, Derwent Living and Richard Cornes, partnerships director, William Davis Ltd turn the first sod at Gorse Valley Road, Chestersfield

Derwent Living and contractor and developer William Davis Ltd have officially marked the start on site of a new development of affordable homes at Gorse Valley Road in Winsick, North East Derbyshire.

The Derby-based housing provider, along with developer William Davis, marked the occasion by meeting at the site on Monday 9 May, along with Andrew Towlerton assistant director of communities & planning from North Derbyshire District Council, to ''turn the sod'.  

Gorse Valley Road is North East Derbyshire's newest affordable housing scheme, comprising 30 two, three and four bedroom houses which will be available for affordable rent or to buy through Derwent Living's popular Homebuy initiative. The scheme is due for completion in April 2012.

The affordable properties will be available through North Derbyshire District Council's choice based lettings (CBL) system, 'Choice Move'.  The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has provided funding for the scheme which will be marketed by Derwent Living, the HCA and the local authority.

Paul Casey, development director of Derwent Living said: "We are delighted to once again be working alongside William Davis on this new development. It is another example of superb partnership working. By working closely with the council, along with the contribution of a grant from the HCA, and the expert skills of William Davis, I am sure we will produce some impressive homes.

"Times are still difficult for many people and as a company, Derwent Living is still committed to providing affordable homes for rent as well as providing the opportunity to get on the property ladder through our part-buy, part-rent initiatives."

Councillor Betty Hill, North East Derbyshire District Council's member for housing, added: ""Providing high quality homes that meet the needs of our residents is a key priority for the council and we are delighted to see the start of this much-needed scheme, which will benefit local people."

Richard Cornes, partnership director from William Davis says: "It is always pleasing to see the first spades in the ground of a new project. Today's event not only signifies the development of much needed affordable housing for the area but will also create a new thriving, sustainable community in Chesterfield. Everyone involved in this project has been working extremely hard for a number of months to turn our vision into reality and we can now look forward to seeing this scheme take shape over the next year."

For more information about Derwent Living, please visit their website here: www.derwentliving.com