Adam Deakin, project manager from Flagship, at The Elms in Woolpit.

New homes for affordable rent and shared ownership will soon be ready in a 'hidden gem' Suffolk village.

Housing provider Flagship is acquiring 29 homes at The Elms, a new development in Woolpit, between Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

People looking for a new home in the Mid Suffolk District Council area are encouraged to join the local housing register, as they may have a better chance of getting one of these homes than they realise.

Sarah Lingley, lettings officer for the housing association Samphire, which is part of Bromford Flagship, said: "Good homes change lives. We're proud to be offering more people the chance to live in a well-connected and welcoming village like Woolpit.

New homes at The Elms in Woolpit.

"Finding an affordable home isn't always easy, but if you’re on the local housing register, you might be surprised at your chances."

Flagship is acquiring 18 homes for affordable rent, meaning they will be allocated to families on the local housing register at a maximum of 80% of market value. These include one and two-bedroom flats and two and three-bedroom houses.

Flagship will also receive 11 two- and three-bedroom houses for shared ownership – a hybrid between buying and renting which allows people to gradually become homeowners with a relatively small deposit.

Ms Lingley said: "With shared ownership, getting onto the housing ladder is more achievable than many people realise. It's a great option for first-time buyers."

Adam Deakin in front of some of the new homes at The Elms in Woolpit.

Many of the homes have electric vehicle charging points, as well as other energy-efficient features like rooftop solar panels with battery storage and air-source heat pumps.

While it's known locally for the medieval legend of the ‘Green Children of Woolpit’ and its charming historic architecture, the village typically receives less attention than nearby centres like Bury St Edmunds or Lavenham. But Woolpit’s attractive village centre, historic church, and quiet character make it a hidden gem compared to better-known Suffolk destinations.

The village has dental and GP practices, a pre-school and primary school and shops including a Co-op with a Post Office, a bakery, a hair salon, a pub, a chippy and garden centre.

The village is well-connected, with the nearby A14 giving easy access to Bury, Stowmarket and beyond. There is also a railway station in the nearby village of Elmswell.

There is an active social scene including clubs for gardening, drama, art, singing and a branch of the Women’s Institute.

Anyone interested in finding out if they would qualify for one of the new homes can register at https://www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk/

The Elms is a Hopkins Homes development in Woolpit, Suffolk.