Housing Secretary visits Ebbsfleet to see progress on thousands of new homes

The Secretary of State for Housing, Steve Reed MP, and the Minister of State for Housing, Matthew Pennycook MP, visited Ebbsfleet [yesterday] to see how Clarion Housing Group, working in partnership with Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and Vistry, is helping to deliver thousands of new homes for the region.

They were welcomed on site by Nick Wood, Managing Director at Clarion Housing Group, along with Bronwen Thompson, Development Manager, and Danny Thorpe, Director of Communications.

During the visit, the Ministers heard how the Ashmere neighbourhood, one of the major new communities emerging in Ebbsfleet, is already benefitting from excellent transport connections. The Fastrack service now links residents directly to Ebbsfleet International, providing high speed access to central London in around 18 minutes. This is helping to create a well connected and sustainable place to live.

The visit took place on the same day the Government announced new measures to accelerate homebuilding around railway stations. Under the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, councils will be expected to take a “yes by default” approach to development near stations. The aim is to unlock more homes in areas that are well served by public transport.

As part of the visit, the Ministers met Charlene, one of Clarion’s shared ownership residents living at Ashmere. She spoke about her experience of getting on the housing ladder and the support she received throughout the process.

Charlene, Shared Ownership resident at Ashmere, said:

“Getting my home through shared ownership has changed everything for me. It made buying a home achievable, and the team at Clarion supported me at every stage. I know there can be misconceptions about shared ownership, but for me it has given stability, independence and a real sense of pride.”

Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said:

“It was fantastic that the Ministers were able to visit Ebbsfleet and see the progress being made on the ground. The Government’s focus on unlocking new homes near transport hubs aligns closely with our work here, where we are creating well connected neighbourhoods where people can live, work and travel in a sustainable way.

“Shared ownership has played an important role in helping people like Charlene take their first step onto the property ladder and. Her story shows the positive impact this tenure can have. We look forward to continuing our work with Government, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and Vistry to deliver high quality homes and support the long term success of Ebbsfleet Garden City.”