Last updated at 13:50, Tuesday, 26 August 2008

FAMILIES across South Lakeland are being given a helping hand to find affordable homes in the district, according to a new report.

MORE OF THE SAME: Affordable housing in Cross Lane Court, Ulverston. South Lakeland District Council aims to build 430 such homes in the next five yearsREF: 0357204

SLDC aims to build a total of 430 affordable homes within five years as the average property cost soars to £236,000, compared to £86,000 10 years ago.

The council is also on target to provide at least 50 new affordable homes, which meet the needs of older people, by 2011, with seven built in 2007/2008, bringing the total to 16.

New affordable home developments include the Yewbarrow Depot site in Grange. It is hoped three new homes could be provided on the Main Street site.

Eight affordable homes are also planned for land off Broughton Road in Torver.

SLDC says it is on course to ensure affordable housing is high on the agenda when developments are being planned or permission being given for them – as part of a major update of council policy called the Local Development Framework.

The council is also working with other land-owning organisations such as the National Trust, ecclesiastical groups and Cumbria County Council, to ensure that, where suitable land becomes available, the sites are used for affordable housing.

As well as affordable housing, the council is working in a number of areas such as creating decent homes, housing the homeless, and homes with support, such as very sheltered housing.

Councillor Brenda Gray, housing portfolio holder for SLDC, said she was happy with the progress but not complacent and it remained an ongoing issue.

She said: “I am pleased to report we are on track with a range of short-term and long-term initiatives which will make a real difference to what is an issue for many people in our community. There is still a lot of work to be done but we are heading in the right direction by working in partnership.”

First published at 12:03, Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk