See how new housing estate off St Margarets Crescent, Leiston, near Saxmundham, is taking shape

A new affordable housing estate in an East Suffolk town is taking shape and is due to be finished in autumn.

Land off St Margarets Crescent, Leiston, near Saxmundham, is being transformed into a new community for more than 200 people.

The new estate, named Picture House Green, is being led by Flagship Homes, which is set to build 74 homes – with the first scheduled to be completed in October.

The site will comprise 55 homes priced for affordable rent and 19 homes designed for shared ownership.

The latter will allow people to gradually buy their home while paying rent on the remaining share.

Stephen Jones, Flagship’s senior project manager, said the project would help address the need for affordable housing in the area.

He said: “We’re using traditional methods to build these homes, which will all feature solar panels.

“They will each have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of B. That’s considered excellent in terms of energy efficiency.”

Picture House Green is situated about 2.5 miles from the beach in Sizewell and lies close to the Suffolk and Essex Coast Heaths National Landscape.

The homes will have direct access to adjacent playing fields and there will be a new children’s play park on the site.

The project has appointed Lovell, a construction firm, as the main contractor.

Simon Medler, the firm’s regional managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be working once again with Flagship, on this occasion to bring quality, energy-efficient homes to Leiston.

“Picture House Green is located near a fantastic position, close to RSPB Minsmere, as well as being close to the Suffolk coastline, including Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

"We know these affordable homes will be incredibly popular.”

The project is expected to be finished by December next year.