New affordable homes completed at Foster's Fold in Chidham

Customers are beginning to move into a brand-new affordable housing development in Chidham, as local housing association Aster Group completes Foster's Fold, a 100% affordable scheme delivering 26 much-needed homes for local people.

Built on the former Chas Wood Nurseries brownfield site, the 1.14-hectare development has transformed previously developed land into a thriving new community. The scheme provides eight affordable rent homes and 18 shared ownership homes, helping more people have an affordable route onto, or back onto, the housing ladder while ensuring affordable rented homes remain available for those who need them most.

Located on the edge of the South Downs National Park within the Chichester District, Foster's Fold offers a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, including four one-bedroom maisonettes. Every home has been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, while customers will also benefit from a new community orchard.

The development responds to the significant need for affordable housing across the district and has received support from Chichester District Council. All shared ownership homes have been allocated to buyers with a local connection through the council's nominations agreement, helping local people remain within the communities they know and love.

Amanda Williams, Aster Group Chief Investment Officer, said:

"We're delighted to see customers moving into their new homes at Foster's Fold. This development demonstrates how previously developed brownfield land can be transformed into high-quality, energy-efficient affordable homes that will benefit local people for generations to come. 

"Affordable housing continues to be in high demand across the Chichester District, and we're proud that every home at Foster's Fold has been built to help meet that need. Whether through affordable rent or shared ownership, these homes will give more local people the opportunity to live in a community they already have strong connections with."

Representatives from Aster Group were joined by Councillor Oona Hickson to mark the completion of the development and meet one of the first shared ownership customers who have recently moved into their new home.

Cllr Oona Hickson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Revenues and Benefits at Chichester District Council said:

“Chichester District Council is committed to supporting the delivery of affordable homes, and this development, which provides a mix of 26 rented and shared ownership properties, is a valuable addition. We are keen to work with our Registered Provider partners to support schemes that enable local people to stay and work in the area, while helping to address the housing pressures facing our district.”

The development received Homes England Strategic Partnership grant funding and reflects Aster Group's ongoing commitment to increasing the supply of affordable, sustainable homes across the South of England and London.

For more information about Aster Group's homes and future developments, visit aster.co.uk.