Affordable homes boost brings hope to hundreds of residents

Hundreds of South Norfolk residents now have a once-in-a-lifetime chance of staying in their communities, after affordable housing in the district hit a new high.

This year, over 100 affordable homes have been provided for the district - and next year, the council is on target to double that to 200.

All the affordable homes will go to local people in local communities.

They are a mix of one- to four-bedroom properties, and a mixture of rented and shared ownership, designed to respond to the needs of residents.

Cllr Mandy Smith, who leads for the council on care, fairness and housing said:

"House prices in this district are terrifying. This mad housing market has, for many people, slammed the door on the chances of ever being able to save enough for a home, or even to rent anything suitable from private landlords.

"Young people, pensioners on low incomes, couples starting out and those with young families have been frozen out by the brutal economics of this. They are effectively lost to the communities where they grew up and hoped they would one day be able to live. It's depressing.

"But we are not sitting on our hands, we are doing something about it - 100 affordable homes this year, and 200 next year. That means hope for hundreds of people, and a total transformation in the quality of their lives.

"We are now on target to deliver more affordable homes than at any time in the last decade. "

One scheme currently under consideration by council planners is for homes between Diss and Roydon. Amid the proper concerns of some local people, letters and comments have also been coming into local newspapers from young couples and others desperate for a home.

Cllr Smith added:

"I'm not going to comment on this scheme - it's a matter for the planners to properly consider and then come to a decision. But no one could fail to be moved by the desperation of people in our community who cannot get on the housing ladder. These are the human stories behind the statistics.

"Our affordable housing programme is real, practical, delivery of bricks and mortar, on the ground, in the communities where they are needed."

The 100 homes this year are at Diss, Long Stratton, Hethersett, Easton, Tacolneston, Harleston, Wymondham, Bunwell, Costessey and Bressingham.

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