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Affordable housing scheme supported
The future of an affordable housing project in Whetstone has been assured thanks to financial support from Blaby District Council.
Almost £150,000 is being allocated to developers My Pad and social landlord Futures Housing Group, to ensure the 21-unit scheme off Springwell Lane goes ahead.
The funding was approved by Blaby District Council members at last night's Full Council meeting (Tuesday 8 July).
It means the scheme, featuring 15 social rented homes and six shared ownership homes, will retain the planned mix of one single bed, eight two-bed, seven three-bed and five four-bed or more.
The mix, particularly the inclusion of larger house types, was devised at the outset by My Pad and Futures Housing Group in close liaison with the Council’s Housing Strategy Team.
The aim is to provide options for the growing number of bigger families needing affordable housing due to high rents in the private rented sector, as well as addressing the core need for two and three-bed homes.
Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "Our housing team has worked with My Pad and Futures Housing Group from the very start to make sure this scheme meets the needs of local families looking for affordable housing options.
"The financial viability of affordable developments of this size is very tight. When it became clear the current mix could only be delivered as affordable if there was extra financial input, Futures Housing approached our housing team for help.
"We have a ring-fenced Affordable Housing Fund which we can use for such instances. Supporting this scheme is an important step in meeting our priorities to increase the supply of affordable homes, prevent homelessness and end rough sleeping."
Anthony Holt, Director of Development and Asset Maximisation at Futures, said: "We’re very thankful to Blaby District Council for supporting us in being able to bring these much-needed affordable homes to the local community. There’s currently a demand for large family homes in this area, so it’s great knowing we’ll be able to help this as the development includes four-bedroom properties.
"We’re looking forward to starting work on site with the developers My Pad and continue working with Blaby District Council as we all work together to ease the housing shortage."
Councillor Les Phillimore
Portfolio Holder for Housing