Accent Peerless’s first development in Sheerness helps to meet increasing demand for social housing.

Kent and Surrey-based housing association, Accent Peerless Ltd, which looks after residents across the two counties, has made 23 brand new affordable homes available to rent in Sheerness. It is the association’s first project in the Swale region and the response has been significant. Aware that the current economic conditions have led to a dramatic increase in demand for affordable social housing, Accent Peerless has made all 23 of the units available to those over 50 on Swale Borough Council’s waiting list for general needs rent. This is usually a more affordable option than renting in the private market. The development, comprising of 15 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments, is located in Wood Street, on the site of the former Woody’s Nightclub, which has been closed since 2004. All the units come with juliet balconies and there is a door entry system and secure undercroft parking. Councillor David Simmons, Swale Borough Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health, said “The Council has been working in partnership with Accent Peerless on the development of the apartments. We are delighted that Accent Peerless has provided these affordable new homes, which are of extremely high quality. The attractive design, the internal lift and the prime location near Sheerness town centre, means that they are ideal in meeting the needs of Swale’s older residents who require housing. We hope the residents will be happy, not just with their new homes but with their new neighbourhood as well.” Ian Taylor, New Development Manager at Accent Peerless said: “The interest in such developments is always high. The apartments were ready to move into in December 2009 and a number of the units are already occupied. As with all our developments, the challenge has been to ensure they are let to the people who need them most. We have worked closely with Swale Borough Council to ensure this is achieved. He added: “Once they are occupied, we will continue to work with the residents to ensure they have their say and are involved in housing issues which affect them. We also work continually with local Council, Police and Fire services to ensure our residents feel safe and comfortable within the community. For more information, please contact Swale Borough Council’s Housing Options Team on 01795 417622 or visit www.kenthomechoice.org.uk -ENDS- Words: 386 ***please scroll down to download images*** Notes to editors Accent Peerless is a registered social landlord, providing over 3,500 homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale in Surrey, Kent, Berkshire and Hampshire. It is a member of Accent Group, which provides over 19,500 homes nationwide, (managed by Accent Peerless, Accent Nene and Accent Foundation), and delivers transformational projects across the key areas of housing, training and regeneration. The Group won a Housing Corporation Gold Award in 2008 for ‘Tackling Worklessness’.