Drew Smith completes on new affordable homes in Kings Worthy

Drew Smith and Winchester City Council have celebrated completing their latest housing scheme in Kings Worthy with an official opening event with the Mayor of Winchester and Steve Brine MP.

Burnett Lane in Kings Worthy provides 35 new affordable homes with a range of different housing options. These include affordable rent, shared ownership and discount market sale tenures.

The new development is adjacent to a landscaped open space featuring wildlife habitats, wooded areas, and wildflower meadows. This is known locally as Top Field. The scheme comprises one, two, three- and four-bedroom homes. It also includes a network of footpaths linking to the Watercress Way and the main amenities in Kings Worthy.

Managing Director of Drew Smith, Adrian Cator, said: “It’s great to see the achievements of the Drew Smith team. We have created much needed affordable housing for the area but also a beautiful recreation space for local residents to enjoy. The success of this scheme is testament to what can be achieved through a collaborative effort to address the requirements of a community, and it’s been great to partner with Winchester City Council on its delivery.”

Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management, Cllr Kelsie Learney, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening this fantastic development as planned this summer. Hookpit Farm is a great example of a small development providing well-designed, affordable homes with easy access to the city centre and surrounded by countryside. There has already been a strong interest in the homes here with some already reserved and we’re looking forward to welcoming new residents from the surrounding community over the coming months.”

Top Field will be managed by the council’s natural environment and recreation team. The area will include significant ecological preservation work, such as wildlife habitats, wooded areas, and a wildflower meadow. Over 100 slow worms have been relocated for protection.

The mixture of homes at Burnett Lane include 25 affordable for rent, eight for shared ownership and two discounted market sale homes for people with a strong local connection to Kings Worthy. The new homes are thermally efficient and include solar panels.