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EHDC Exceeds Affordable Homes Target by 81%

Friday 17th of April 2009

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More and more homes are being placed in the reach of first-time buyers and low-income families after East Hampshire District Council outstripped its target on affordable housing.

The council delivered 253 affordable homes during 2008-2009 giving people the chance to get their foot on the housing ladder even in these economically depressed times.

Working in partnership with Housing Associations EHDC has taken advantage of a string of development opportunities and built new affordable properties across the district.

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In Petersfield the renewal and redevelopment at the REEMA site of 148 properties was completed in March 2009. This development contains a mix of affordable rent, intermediate rent and part-buy properties as well as properties built specifically for disabled residents.

A development at Winchester Road, Four Marks, will continue into the summer. When completed over 60 properties will have been made available for affordable rent or part-buy.

The current economic climate has seen the slow-down of private building but affordable housing has continued to be built out. 

Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Cartwright, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said exceeding the council's affordable homes target, set at 140, was a major achievement.

"2008/9 was an exceptionally good year for the provision of new affordable housing," she said. "This was particularly important when so many people are unable to access mortgages in the current economic climate.

"Many of the affordable homes due to be built in 2009/10 have been completed early by developers anxious to keep their construction teams in place. In addition extra grant money was made available by the Government for housing associations to purchase suitable homes from the private sector.

"This year the Council will be looking for new development opportunities particularly in the rural areas, as these are usually on small sites and are not dependent on the open market to be delivered."