14 Apr Braintree District delivers highest number of affordable homes
Braintree District delivered its highest number of affordable homes during 2021-2022, new figures have revealed.
The latest housing statistics have been confirmed by Braintree District Council, which showed that 417 affordable homes were completed across the Braintree district in 2021-22, meaning it has already contributed towards 83% of its target of 500 affordable homes between 2021 and 2023.
Some of the affordable housing has been built by housing associations but the majority has been built by private developers, thanks to the council’s planning policies. These policies ensure that a proportion of all new homes are available to either rent or purchase at more affordable levels to help people who cannot afford to purchase or rent homes on the open market.
Looking forward, there will more even more affordable housing delivered over the coming year – schemes that are due to be completed include 35 new affordable homes at the Victoria Square development in Braintree town centre, which will be offered as a mix of shared ownership and social rent, and 24 new homes at the former Hunnable industrial site in Great Yeldham.
Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Skills at Braintree District Council, said: “This is the highest number of affordable homes we’ve ever reached in one year, which is a fantastic achievement and reinforces that we are committed to delivering more affordable housing to families across the district.
“I’d like to thank our Housing and Planning teams for everything they do to facilitate and secure affordable housing provision within new developments and also continuing to work hard and push developers to ensure good quality, sustainable and affordable homes which local people can afford.”
The Council is continuing to work to:
· Ensure housing developers deliver affordable housing through the planning process
· Support the provision of more affordable homes by housing associations for local people to rent or buy
· Unlock the potential for town centres to be regenerated to provide more housing
· Offer grant funding to provide home adaptions of people with disabilities
