MORE than 50 new affordable homes are being built in north Dorset, in the first development Sovereign Housing Association has negotiated under lockdown conditions.

Sovereign is working with Redrow to build to 51 homes at Littledown, Shaftesbury.

The development, called Blackmore Down, will eventually see 143 homes on site, with the 51 affordable provided through Sovereign. Of these, 26 will be available for affordable rent, and the remaining 25 through shared ownership.

James Gibson, development director at Sovereign, said: “We’ve been working hard during lockdown to make sure that we’re ready when things open back up again.

“Negotiating this development under lockdown conditions has presented new and very particular challenges, but we’re pleased to be able to build these quality new homes where they’re needed most.

“Sovereign’s strength has made us able to work through this very trying time and still build the right homes in the right places and we are actively seeking more opportunities with our confidence in the market undiminished.’