PLANS have been agreed for 17 new homes near Fordingbridge. 

The houses will be part of the £21.5million Forest Edge development, which is located off Salisbury Road, and will see a mix of 63 houses and apartments built.  

Metis Homes recently held a hard-hat tour at Forest Edge, to allow prospective buyers to see the progress being made.

Adam O’Brien, managing director of Metis Homes, said: “We are thrilled to have exchanged contracts with New Forest District Council to deliver 17 homes at our Forest Edge development for shared ownership and affordable rent.

"This number is higher than the percentage of affordable homes designated to the site during the planning process, reflecting our shared desire to help meet local housing needs. 

“While so much new housing and investment has been stalled across Hampshire of late, we are proud to be delivering this highly popular development on the edge of the New Forest.”

Councillor Edward Heron, New Forest District Council portfolio holder for housing, said: “There is a significant need for quality affordable housing in Fordingbridge and across the New Forest District as a whole. We are very pleased to be working with Metis Homes and look forward to seeing the 17 shared ownership and affordable rented homes completed and occupied as soon as possible.”

Metis homes said 95% of the first phase of open market housing at the Forest Edge development has been sold, with the first residents expected to move in this spring."