Orchard Homes Keep Centruies Old link Alive
06/03/2007
George Jordan sold part of a plot of land known locally as Jordan’s Orchard to Warwickshire Rural Housing Association with the condition that the site retains its name.
“The first Jordan came to live in Little Compton in 1673 and my father bought this land in the 1950s. He kept hens, pigs and rabbits here and at one time he grew potatoes,” said Mr Jordan whose father Alfred, who died in 1988, was the last of the family to actually live in the village.
“Using the site to provide affordable homes will give something to the village and will keep the Jordan link going.”
Mr Jordan fulfilled a long-time ambition around three years ago when he published a book about the history of Little Compton and within a year he wrote a second book this time on the history of some of the village’s houses.
Warwickshire Rural Housing Association specialises in meeting the housing needs of rural communities.
It first began working in partnership with Little Compton Parish Council around five years ago when asked to carry out a housing needs survey.
“The survey revealed a real need for more affordable properties in the village,” said Matthew Gillett, chairman of the parish council.
“By working in partnership with Warwickshire Rural we have been able to meet this need and provide new homes for village people.”
The new housing scheme will provide two, two bedroomed houses, one, three bedroomed house and one two bedroomed bungalow.
All the homes, which are being built by A. C. Lloyd, will be available at affordable rents for people with close links to the village either through their family or their work.
Matthew Dick, chairman of Warwickshire Rural Housing Association, believes the development will help keep the village vibrant.
“Many local people are unable to afford to find a suitable property in villages due to a rise in house prices and a shortage of local authority properties,” he explained.
"Young people and those on moderate incomes can find themselves forced out of villages where they have grown up or where they work.
"But these communities need a mix of people of all ages and from all backgrounds if they are to remain vibrant and sustainable which is why the provision of affordable homes is vital if we are to avert a rural housing crisis."
The new homes will be complete by September this year.