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The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Martin Round, has welcomed the first residents to a new collection of much needed affordable homes in Sutton Valence, delivered by Kent-based housebuilder Fernham Homes in partnership with local housing association, Golding Homes.

Eighteen affordable homes, comprising a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent, are now complete and occupied by residents with the remaining 25 due for completion this July. 

Created as part of a new development of 110 homes just moments from the village centre, the 43 affordable homes introduce a range of apartments and family properties across affordable rent and shared ownership. All are being delivered in the first phase of the development and due for completion by July this year.

The Mayor was joined by fellow local councillor, Ziggy Trzebinski, along with representatives of Golding Homes and Fernham Homes to hand over the keys to the first residents, including Ieuan and Emma who have taken their first step on the property ladder as a family with their young daughter.

After an 18-month search, the couple are starting a new life in a three-bedroom family home secured through shared ownership. Having grown up in nearby Langley, Emma – who is an assistant manager at a children’s nursery nearby - was familiar with the area, which is home to the couple’s friends and family. While the support network was a significant draw for the young family, the tranquillity of the traditional village setting coupled with easy connections to the capital was the perfect combination for Ieuan who works as a paramedic for London Ambulance Service.

In addition to the new affordable homes, the development also introduces a collection of three, four and five-bedroom family houses for private sale alongside 11 one and two-bedroom homes available to purchase via Discount Market Sale (DMS). Enabling eligible buyers- to purchase their first home for 20% below market value, the programme is open to first time buyers who live, work or have family in Kent along with key workers, such as NHS and emergency services staff, as well as those serving in the UK Armed Forces.

The new homes are set in eight acres of open space including three acres of woodland. They will be accompanied by a host of new on-site amenities for the community including a Co-Op convenience store, Post Office, and GP surgery, making it a hub for Sutton Valence village.

Commenting on the significance of the new affordable homes, The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Martin Round, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome the first families into these much‑needed affordable homes in Sutton Valence. Providing high‑quality, sustainable housing that supports local people is a key priority for Maidstone Borough Council, and this development is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. Alongside new community facilities and open space, these homes will help strengthen the village for future generations.”

Cllr Ziggy Trzebinski, adds: “Seeing local residents take their first step onto the property ladder here is truly encouraging. These new homes not only offer affordability and choice, but they also create opportunities for young families and key workers to stay rooted in the communities they know and love. This development provides superior quality housing in a desirable environment and reflects our commitment at the council to delivering sustainable growth, support local services, and ensuring our rural villages continue to thrive.”

On the new affordable homes for Sutton Valence, Jon Baldwin, assistant director of development, Golding Homes, said: “It’s wonderful to see families moving into these lovely new affordable and sustainable homes, and we’re delighted to have worked with Fernham Homes to deliver them. With sustainability features like air source heat pumps and access to electric chargers, the homes are cost effective for families to run, and they’re helping to meet local housing needs in this area of Maidstone.“

Fernham Homes’ managing director, Sean Ellis, adds: “This marks our first collaboration with Golding Homes and we’re thrilled to be celebrating its success today as the first residents move into their new affordable homes.  Our close working relationships with providers such as Golding Homes is hugely important to us as a local housebuilder, enabling us to deliver much needed affordable homes for communities like Sutton Valence.

“In addition to the shared ownership and affordable rent options created through this partnership, we are pleased to also introduce Discount Market Sale to the local market. With homes available from £182,400, it’s providing a broad choice of accessible routes onto the local property ladder.”