First homes handed over at Bishops Lane

We've handed over the first new affordable homes at the Bishops Lane development in Ringmer, East Sussex, to Stonewater, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers.

Once complete, Bishops Lane will comprise 68 new homes – 54 two to four-bedroom houses and 14 one to two-bedroom apartments – built for the local community. These homes, which will be a mix of affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership tenures, will help address local demand for affordable housing, with nearly 650 households on Lewes District Council’s housing register during 2023-24.

All the homes at Bishops Lane will have a high energy-efficient rating and feature electric vehicle charging points, air source heat pumps and thermally efficient windows and doors. The 54 houses will also be net-zero carbon thanks to the number of high-efficiency PV panels on roofs.

The development will feature new footpaths to local amenities and transport links. A community orchard, attenuation pond and the planting of new trees and hedgerows also form part of the plans, helping surpass mandated government requirements on biodiversity net gain. Additionally, Bishops Lane will include a play area for both new residents and the wider community to enjoy.  

Dan Cornelius, our Partnerships Director, said: “Handing over the first nine homes at Bishops Lane is another milestone in our strong partnership with Stonewater. Thakeham and Stonewater share a vision of providing much-needed, high-quality housing and creating communities that people call home. These elements are now beginning to form in Ringmer, and we look forward to delivering the remaining homes as construction progresses.” 

Marie Riordan, Director of Development at Stonewater, added: “It’s brilliant to be able to welcome a new group of Stonewater customers to Bishops Lane. We’ve worked with our trusted key partner, Thakeham, to deliver this new development of energy-efficient and affordable homes that will meet the local need for high-quality affordable housing. We’re looking forward to seeing local people and their families move into their brand-new homes and establishing their lives at Bishops Lane.”