A LONG-AWAITED housing scheme to help people on low incomes is finally under way in Bromham.

The first part of the development, on former Crown Estate land just off the High Street, is being built by the Wiltshire Rural Housing Association and the eight homes will be for rent.

Building work began earlier this year and is due to be completed on October 1.

The new homes will include two bungalows and six semi-detached houses.

Prospective tenants need to have a connection with Bromham and will be able to bid through the homes@kennet service featured in the Gazette

Property section during the summer.

A separate part of the development on the same tract of land will be the building of 12 houses by couples and families in a self-build scheme.

The scheme has been worked on for the past six years and was originally held up by negotiations with The Crown Estate.

It will be the first affordable housing scheme in Bromham for more than ten years. It is also the first housing development in Bromham for the Wiltshire Rural Housing Association, which is itself based in the village.

The association was set up in 1984 to provide affordable housing for local people in villages.

Director Gill Shell said: "It's very good to be finally building the houses as we have been working on the project for about six years.

"This is our 22nd new build development but our first in Bromham and we are delighted we will be providing homes for rent to local people.

"The parish council are very, very supportive and local people have been too."

The development is called Breach Close, named after Ron Breach, a long-standing parish councillor.

It has been partly funded with grant funding from Kennet District Council.

Mrs Shell said the houses were eco-friendly.

"All the roofs have solar panels and the houses will be built with a very high level of environmental features with heating and insulation.

"They also use handmade bricks and triple glazed windows. All of the houses have adaptable roof spaces and we can extend into the attic if needed in the

future.

"The houses will be very nice and spacious and the rents will be affordable and set in accordance with the Housing Corporation."

As part of the development the association is building the road and the infrastructure for the self-build project.

Colin Wadsworth, manager of the Roundway View Self Build Association, said: "I am hoping that work will start in May and it will take 18 months to two years to complete."

People signed up to the project have to pool their skills to build the homes and subcontract out any work they cannot do themselves.

During the summer those involved are expected to work 16 hours a week building the houses.

The self-build project will help people with limited money to get on to the property ladder as the cost of a house in the scheme is approximately half the price of a similar house on the market.