Pennyfarthing Homes broke ground recently at Danes Park in New Milton, marking the official start of construction for the major new residential development. Directors of Pennyfarthing Homes welcomed Councillor Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness at New Forest District Council, and Tim Davis, Head of Affordable Housing, to celebrate the milestone with a ground-breaking ceremony, where Cllr Davies had the honour of turning the first spade of soil on the development.
Cllr Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness at the New Forest District Council, said:
“We are proud to deliver these high-quality homes to our community. This development reflects our commitment to ensuring local people have access to sustainable, well-designed homes in a place they can be proud to call home. With 50% of the homes being affordable, residents will benefit from greater housing accessibility. Additionally, half of the site is allocated for green spaces and recreational areas, providing a better quality of life and fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.”
Pennyfarthing Homes acquired the 10-hectare (25-acre) Brockhills Lane site in 2016, and planning promotion successfully secured its inclusion in the New Forest District Council Local Plan in 2020. A subsequent planning application for 164 homes, of which 50% are affordable, was approved in February 2024. The development at Danes Park is the single largest affordable housing transaction made by New Forest District Council in recent years.
Phil Langdown, Construction Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “It is always a huge milestone for any development to break ground, and today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for New Milton. This development isn’t just about delivering homes, it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive community where people and families at all stages of life can thrive. We are delighted to be working closely with New Forest District Council to bring forward a vision that blends affordability, sustainability, and quality.”
The development will offer a diverse mix of homes, from one- and two-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom bungalows and larger family homes. Nearly half of the site will be allocated for green space and recreational areas, providing significant community and environmental benefits.
Ben Arnold, Land and Planning Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, commented:
“Breaking ground today is the culmination of years of work and collaboration with New Forest District Council. Danes Park represents our commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable communities, and affordable, well-designed homes.”
For more details on the Danes Park Development visit: https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk/development/danes-park/ or call 01425 613958.
