THREE Suffolk Coastal villages could see 18 extra affordable homes built, bringing the total new social houses approved in the district to 117 this year.

THREE Suffolk Coastal villages could see 18 extra affordable homes built, bringing the total new social houses approved in the district to 117 this year.

The latest agreed schemes are part of a partnership between Suffolk Coastal District Council, parish councils and Hastoe Housing Association.

Six new homes will each be built in Swilland, Ufford and Wenhaston, all areas with a need for more affordable homes.

It has taken nearly five years for Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council, Hastoe and planners to find a suitable site.

The proposed one is on farmland on the north side of Swilland - an exception to the official planning policy for the area, but it is close to Witnesham Primary School, on a bus route and walking distance from a village pub.

The semi-detached three-bedroom homes would be screened with planting and bird, bat and insect boxes will be provided to protect and enhance wildlife.

“It is clear there is a need for affordable housing in and around Witnesham and Swilland,” said Ivan Jowers, chairman of the south area development control sub-committee.

“We have all been working tirelessly since 2003 to try to identify a suitable location, with 15 different sites considered and rejected.”

The site eventually chosen has been generously donated by a landowner to allow the project to proceed.

“It is one of this council's top priorities to help provide more affordable housing as we know there are many local families who wish to remain in the area but who find themselves unable to afford appropriate homes on the open market.

“Surveys undertaken have shown there are 21 households in housing need in Wenhaston and 16 in Ufford. The provision of a number of new homes in each village will go some way towards meeting the needs of these families.”

All three schemes are part of a funding bid to the Housing Corporation. The decision will not be known until next March.

The six two and three-bedroom homes in Ufford will be built on council-owned land at the junction of Yarmouth Road and Parklands, and a conditional go-ahead has been given for six two and three-bedroom homes in Wenhaston. The developments will be a mix of rented and shared ownership homes.

Do you think Suffolk Coastal is providing enough affordable homes? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk