THE new boss of Sentinel Housing Association has started work.

Mark Perry has joined the Basingstoke-based organisation from Affinity Sutton, a national housing group of 57,000 homes, where he was group commercial director. He replaces chief executive Martin Nurse, who has retired after 11 years at the helm.

Mr Perry, 48, said he was excited to be joining Sentinel, which has its headquarters in Kingsclere Road, Houndmills.

Mr Perry added: “Martin Nurse has achieved a great deal during his time as chief executive, and I hope to build on his many accomplishments and lead the organisation forward to even greater success in the future.”

The new boss said one of his first tasks will be to oversee the development of 313 affordable homes at the Merton Rise site near Popley.

The project is part of a 784-home housing estate being built in partnership with Charles Church and Persimmon Homes.

Sentinel has also acquired the former Eli Lilly and Victoria plots in Kingsclere Road, Basingstoke, where it wants to build about 500 homes.

The organisation currently manages 8,400 homes in north Hampshire, and is engaged in the redevelopment of Taverner Close and Freemantle Close, in Popley.