Wiltshire Council moves forward on affordable housing plan

A consultation will look into improving sheltered housing in Wiltshire, as part of a 10-year plan to build 1,000 new affordable homes in the area.

The programme will deliver affordable housing by developing council-owned land for social housing, procuring affordable homes offered by developers, and re-purchasing existing properties.

The first phase of the programme provided 150 new homes at affordable rent levels, while phase two has so far consisted predominately of purchasing homes previously sold under Right to Buy.

Cllr Phil Alford, cabinet member for housing, said: ‘This exciting programme is creating high-quality affordable housing to those who need it most. It’s an ambitious programme but one we’re determined to deliver.

‘Having secure, safe and affordable homes has positive effects right through the lives of those who live in them and we’re committed to supporting as many people as we can.’

The first part of the third phase of the programme began in April 2020 and will provide 91 homes at a cost of just under £22m, through a combination of zero-carbon standard new builds and re-purchased units.

The new builds planned in phase three will use modern methods of construction to meet high environmental standards, with the cabinet being asked to reallocate £3m to achieve net-zero goals.

A report will be presented at the Council’s cabinet meeting tomorrow, which will detail the progress made in phase two of the programme and look ahead at what is to come in phase three.

Phase two of the project currently projects to cost around £5.7m and provides 28 units of affordable homes, with the only new build of the phase set to begin construction in Summer 2021.

In related news, social housing provider Stonewater has purchased land for a new £13m development in a village close to Hereford, with plans to deliver 90 affordable homes.

Photo by Ben Wicks