Diocesan Press Release

Low-Rent Housing at Warlingham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 16 July 1999

People on low incomes in Warlingham, Surrey - which has some of the highest property prices in the country - have a new opportunity to find affordable housing. On Monday 19 July, the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev Tom Butler, will formally open a development at Warlingham that provides ten brand new homes at low rents. The homes have been developed through a partnership between the Southwark Diocese and the Southwark and London Diocesan Housing Association (SLDHA).

The development is on church-owned land near the centre of the village. After a long period of disagreement, local people and traders have largely supported the scheme, which also made land available for a much-needed car park. The Housing Association, through a combination of a grant from the Housing Corporation and loan finance from the Nationwide Building Society, was able to develop part of the site for affordable housing.

Steve Joyce, Director of SLDHA, says, "The first group of tenants and their families moved in May and were clearly delighted with their new homes. Many have been living in temporary and often overcrowded accommodation. Having settled homes and fairer rents also means that for many, work and education prospects are enhanced."

SLDHA was set up specifically to develop homes of this type on land owned by the Church of England. SLDHA works closely with parishes and the Diocese over redevelopment of church land.

For more information about their work, please contact Steve Joyce on 020-7403 4847.

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