A key milestone has been reached in the redevelopment of 1-20 Ninehams Gardens, Caterham with the start of the demolition of the site.

Circle Housing Mole Valley which now owns the site and its contractors Westridge Construction Limited has started the demolition of the blocks at Ninehams Gardens.

Work to build 35 new homes is expected to start in January 2017.

The proposed new homes will be a mixture of affordable rent and shared ownership houses and flats and will be owned and managed by Circle Housing Mole Valley. A legal agreement is in place to ensure the new rented homes will be available to people on the Council’s housing register.

The existing properties were built in 1946, but reached the end of their natural life some time ago and are in need of substantial repair. Structural surveys have shown a comprehensive redevelopment scheme is the most cost effective option.

Councillor David Weightman, Chairman of the Housing Committee, said: “This is a key milestone in this development and is thanks to the success of the working relationship between Circle Housing Mole Valley and Tandridge District Council.”

Ian Hagger, Regional Development Director for Circle Housing Mole Valley, said: “We are committed to delivering good quality, much needed affordable housing to the area.  We have worked closely with the local council for some time to help to deliver this scheme and today’s milestone is a key step towards making it a reality.”