AFFORDABLE new homes in South Lakeland – some priced at more than half of the open market value are on offer to residents.

South Lakeland District Council is inviting applications for more affordable homes coming to the market in the district.

Houses are being built by developers in Grange and Kendal and eligible residents are now being encouraged to contact SLDC if they are interested in buying one of the properties through the council’s 'low cost home ownership' scheme.

At the Shoreside development in Kents Bank Road, Grange, Wainhomes is building two and three-bedroom homes and a two-bedroom apartment that are available under the scheme with prices starting at £80,000.

One of the homes, a three-bedroom semi-detached house with garden built by Russell Armer Homes at The Avenue development, off Vicarage Drive in Kendal, is available under the scheme at £110,000, less than 58 per cent of the open market value. Applications for this property need to be made by December 16.

SLDC has a key council plan commitment to help deliver more affordable housing in the district, to meet an identified demand and to help local residents to be able to afford to buy their own home in South Lakeland.

The council works with developers and housing associations to ensure affordable homes are built as part of new developments.

To be able to buy one of the houses through the low cost home ownership scheme someone would need to have to lived in the local area for at least three years and not able to buy or rent on the open market. Anyone interested in one of the properties who believes they meet the eligibility criteria is being invited to contact to discuss an application.

The council’s own housing strategy identifies a key affordability problem in South Lakeland, with high housing costs coupled with modest incomes meaning that in some parts of the district average house prices are up to 12 times higher than average incomes.

Figures show that median house prices in the district have increased from £74,000 in 2000 to £210,000 in 2013.

Affordable, decent housing was also identified as the second most important issue for residents, behind health, in the council’s recent South Lakeland Quality of Life Survey.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Housing and Innovation, said: “A shortage of decent affordable housing means many people, particularly young people, are unable to buy their own home or rent a home close to where they work.

“Our young people and families need housing they can afford if they are to stay in this area.

“We have a clear strategy to address these issues. We encourage builders to provide affordable homes both to rent and to buy and our low cost home ownership scheme is a valuable part of that offer.

“I would urge anyone who wants to buy their own home, but is struggling and who meets the eligibility criteria, to look at this scheme and consider calling us to discuss an application.’’

Information about the low cost home ownership scheme and eligibility criteria is available from SLDC's affordable housing officer on 01539 793377.

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