New housing development in Hazelbury Bryan completed

AJC Group unveiled its 21 new homes in the rural Dorset village of Hazelbury Bryan with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by those directly involved in the project. 

The community-focused brownfield redevelopment has transformed the almost two-acre site which was formerly the Handley Cross Depot – which had lain derelict for eight years.

Site remediation and construction work took 18 months to complete and the project consists of five two-bedroom homes and 16 three-bedroom houses.

Violet Cross affordable housing scheme in Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset. (Image: AJC Group)

Planning permission was awarded to AJC Group for a collection of 13 open market homes and eight affordable dwellings. However, in line with the company’s self-professed “ambition to change the face of social housing”, the scheme has 100 per cent affordable housing provision.

• Read more: Tensions hit boiling point as plan for 164 homes approved

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “We are extremely proud of this partnership project. Working together with Abri, we have transformed a derelict brownfield site into 21 outstanding new homes. These eco-focused houses are in line with our aim and vision to produce higher quality affordable homes throughout the Wessex region, responding to the housing needs of this previously underserved rural community.”

The nearest small town to the site is Sturminster Newton, which is nearly five miles away.

Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, member for housing and community safety at Dorset Council, added: “Homes in stunning rural locations like this often come at a premium, which is why it’s so rewarding to see these completed homes, which will help more people onto the housing ladder.”