MILLIONS OF POUNDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES

District Council schemes have been awarded nearly 13 million to build 233 new affordable homes over the next three years.

"Wealden normally receives an allocation of 3 million, so this significant increase is wonderful news," said Councillor Nigel Coltman, Leader of Wealden District Council.

The increase in Housing Corporation support reflects the provision for new housing in the Non-Statutory Local Plan. An additional 2million is being held in a reserve pool, which Wealden's housing association partners will be able to use if any other projects do not come to fruition.

A total of eight rural HOPe projects in villages like Chelwood Gate, Herstmonceux and Wadhurst are among the schemes that benefit from the funding. The HOPe project utilises land that would not qualify for normal development in order to break the vicious circle of high development costs/high house prices which is forcing families and young people on low incomes to leave their own rural communities.

Other beneficiaries will be projects on sites earmarked in the Local Plan including Sandpits at Uckfield and Shepham Lane in Polegate.

"I am absolutely delighted the housing associations we are working with in the District have secured this much needed funding for affordable housing. I am particularly thrilled that we have financial support for eight rural housing projects," said Councillor Coltman.

"I know people are concerned about new housing development in Wealden, but this money will be used to redress the balance in favour of younger and older people who are being left stranded by the rocketing cost of homes.

"A recent Housing Needs Survey showed that, over the past five years, the average price of a terraced house has increased by 95 per cent in Wealden. The lack of affordable housing is the reason given by some 43 per cent of households who are moving away from the District. We need to redress the balance in order to ensure Wealden retains a viable economy both in its towns and villages," said Councillor Coltman.

Whereas six years ago, Wealden needed to provide 120 - 150 affordable new homes each year to keep pace with demand, the latest survey, by David Coutie Associates shows the need is now for 874 affordable new homes a year. The main requirement is for flats and terraced houses.

"We will be working very closely with our housing association partners to ensure we spend the funding and secure even more so that we can tackle the affordable housing shortage in the District," said Councillor Coltman.