“Desperately needed” affordable housing is on the horizon after work to build 18 apartments, allowing first-time buyers an opportunity to get onto the housing ladder, began.

A ground-breaking ceremony helped mark the development which is in full swing and will solely deliver homes for shared ownership.

It is Watford Community Housing’s (WCH) first project in Hertsmere.

In 2017, the housing association were given permission to build seven one-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom apartments, and a three-bedroom apartment, on a site in Park Avenue, Bushey, which formerly contained two bungalows.

In order to celebrate works beginning on site, WCH chief executive Tina Barnard was joined by Councillor Jean Heywood, responsible for housing at Hertsmere Borough Council, as well as representatives from WCH, the council, contractor Mears New Homes and employers agent Avebury.

Watford Observer:

Cllr Jean Heywood (left) and chief exec Tina Barnard

Gareth Lewis, group director of partnerships for Watford Community Housing, said: “We are really pleased to be on the way to delivering our first directly developed homes in Hertsmere. We can help to provide desperately needed affordable housing for the people in our communities.

“Shared ownership offers a great opportunity to get on the housing ladder, and we hope these properties will give people the chance to have their own permanent home.”

Cllr Heywood added: “With some of the most expensive house prices in the country, we desperately need more affordable housing in the Hertsmere borough and I therefore welcome the development of these new shared ownership homes.

“For first time buyers, this scheme could be their first step towards having their own permanent home and will provide people in the community with the chance to get on the housing ladder. However, this is just the start and the council will continue to support developments that help to reduce the number of people on the waiting list for a new home.”

The development is expected to be completed by autumn 2019.