Affordable homes part of £8m deal

MORE than 160 affordable homes are to be built around mid Suffolk in an £8million deal, it was revealed today.

Eight sites - seven of which are owned by Mid Suffolk District Council - have been identified for the two-year development.

These include Cedars Park, Stowmarket, which will be swelled with 40 new homes; Thompson Close, Haughley, which will grow by 29; and Cross Green, Old Newton, where another 29 dwellings will be created.

The move has been boosted by a £5.2million government grant, but will be topped up by land donations and a capital grant from the district council.

This will be further boosted by investment from four housing associations chosen to carry out the building programme.

Nick Gowrley, head of housing at the authority, said the development is much-needed.

"This has got cross-party support within the council," he said. "The lack of affordable housing is a major problem across the county and it's something we're trying to address.

"We're very proud we've managed to get secure this government grant. Considering we're a relatively small authority, it's a fantastic achievement."

A housing needs survey carried out by the council in 2003 found an extra 360 affordable housing units needed to built.

The council hopes to make inroads into this figure by committing to creating between 60 and 80 each year.

The council is currently reviewing all of its land holdings in a bid to find appropriate uses for them. This includes linking up with housing associations, but some plots could be sold off to private developers if inclusion in the next local plan can be secured.

Roman Fields, Woolpit - 20

Cross Green, Old Newton - 29

The Chestnuts, Great Finborough - 8

Ashfield Road, Norton - 18

Church Road, Mendlesham - 12

Windyridge, Rattlesden - 8

Cedars Park, Stowmarket - 40

Thompson Close, Haughley - 29