One of the housebuilders involved in the controversial Forster Country housing development is offering local charities and community groups the opportunity to apply for funding.

Miller Homes have re-opened their annual Community Fund, with groups able to apply for grants of between £250 and £2,000.

They previously awarded grants from the Fund in June 2023, with the East and North Herts NHS Trust receiving £550 to help renovate bedrooms at Lister Hospital's neonatal unit in Stevenage.

The housebuilder is particularly hoping to hear from groups that are linked to education, wellbeing, the environment, and sport.

They are building 396 homes on the Forster Country site, approximately half of the total number - the remainder will be constructed by Bellway.

The development has proved controversial, and the Friends of Forster Country group sought to stop development on the land. It received the support of actress Emma Thompson and hundreds of local residents.

The first properties on the site are expected to be available for sale later this year.

Alastair Parsons, area sales director for Miller Homes Midlands, said: “Miller Homes is committed to building communities, and a key part of that is to support local services, charities and organisations within the locations in which we build new homes.

“Our aim is to leave a legacy behind us in every area we develop, not just through new homes for residents to live in which stand the test of time, but to give back and invest in communities who can benefit from our financial support.

“The Community Fund enables Miller Homes Midlands to donate £10,000 over the course of the year, but with the first round of funding completed, the second round is the final opportunity for groups to apply via the Miller Homes website for our support in 2023.

“We’d urge anyone who believes their group could benefit from a donation to get in touch as soon as they can to submit their application before the Community Fund closes in October.”

Bethany McNeil, head of public fundraising for East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We are very grateful to Miller Homes for their generous support to help us refurbish the bedrooms on the neonatal unit.

“The rooms mean so much to families who need to stay close to their babies while they are being cared for on the neonatal unit.”

Applications for Miller Homes' Community Fund can be made online and will close on Wednesday, October 25.