MORE than 50 new affordable homes are set to be built in Ipswich after plots of unused land in the town were earmarked for development.Following a lengthy study, Ipswich Borough Council identified six areas suitable for building new homes for people struggling to find somewhere to live.
MORE than 50 new affordable homes are set to be built in Ipswich after plots of unused land in the town were earmarked for development.
Following a lengthy study, Ipswich Borough Council identified six areas suitable for building new homes for people struggling to find somewhere to live.
The authority has linked up with Orwell Housing Association to build on the areas.
Subject to planning permission and funding issues, work could be under way by next April.
Included in the scheme is the controversial Clumpfield site off Cambridge Drive, Chantry.
The former sheltered housing development was boarded up after Raglan Housing Association decided not to develop it in 1999.
Following intense discussions the borough agreed a deal with Raglan to get the land back in council hands.
Councillor Steven Wells, responsible for housing, said plans to build a total of 54 homes in partnership with Orwell Housing is part of a longer-term plan.
He said: “I am really chuffed that we are able to push on with these plans.
“There have been so many obstacles to overcome.
“Fore the first time in nearly a decade the housing register is below 3,000 but there are still 2,800 people in need of housing.
“Our partnership with Orwell Housing will mean a big difference for around 100 people.”
As part of the deal Orwell Housing association is paying the borough council more than £900,000 for the land.
The majority of this money has already been earmarked by the council for affordable housing projects.
Chief Executive of Orwell Housing Association, Stephen Javes, said: “We are delighted to be working with the borough council who are probably the most important partner that we have.
“We already have a stockholding in the borough in excess of 1,000 homes.
“Hundreds of people's lives are going to be improved as a result of this.”
n.Is enough being done to help people get a home in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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