670,000 bricks were laid and a commemorative street unveiled as we completed our largest land-led development in collaboration with Lovell Partnerships Ltd and South Norfolk Council.
The construction of Lavender Meadow employed over 70 operatives on site at the peak of the development, with 6 apprentices, and trainee finisher Kim Watts who joined Lovell through the Women in Construction East Anglia Hub.
The development commemorates former South Norfolk Councillor and Saffron Board member Barry Duffin, who sadly died last year, with the unveiling of ‘Duffin Drive’ by his wife Pam, daughter Kate, and our CEO James Francis.
James says: “Barry was a much-loved friend, colleague and Board Member at Saffron Housing Trust and Crocus Homes. We hope the naming of Duffin Drive is a fitting tribute to Barry’s significant contribution.”
Lavender Meadow consists of 90 new homes - 61 affordable and 29 shared ownership – in a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed houses and bungalows, and 4 bed houses, built by Lovell.
Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director of Lovell, says: "We are very pleased to have been working with Saffron Housing Trust and South Norfolk Council on the development of these much needed quality new homes at Lavender Meadow. It is an excellent site in a key location with easy access to the town and local supermarkets, as well as the A11.
"With the completion of this new development of 90 homes, we have created a whole new community and we are very much looking forward to seeing families enjoying their new homes.”
As part of the 61 affordable homes, South Norfolk Council provided a grant to make 5 of the bungalows wheelchair accessible.
Work began in January 2022 at the former rugby club site, with the final phase of the development completed in March this year.
All energy used for site facilities during construction was certified under REGO, meaning that it was backed by 100% renewable sources.
The homes are all fitted with Air Source Heat pumps, which are up to 300% more efficient than gas boilers and offer a cost-effective way to heat the home whilst reducing its carbon footprint.
Each home has reached an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B and is future-proofed with the potential for electric vehicle charging and PV (Photovoltaic solar panels) to be added.