EAST Hampshire is to receive an additional £4.64m funding from the Housing Corporation for the provision of more affordable housing. Together with funding awarded in March 2006, a total of £13.3m has been allocated for 2006-2008 to develop affordable housing in the district. The Housing Corporation awards grants from the National Affordable Housing Programme to registered social landlords and private developers to provide affordable housing. The extra £4.64m will be used to deliver an extra 96 new affordable homes in East Hampshire. The additional funding was secured following the submission of mid-term bids. One condition of the funding is that developments must start on site by March 2008. East Hampshire District Council aims to deliver 135 affordable homes for 2007/8. The additional funding from the Housing Corporation contributes significantly to this and to the programme for 2008/9. EHDC portfolio holder for housing, Elizabeth Cartwright, said "I am delighted that our housing associations have been so successful in securing this additional money. "As house prices remain beyond the reach of so many potential first-time buyers it is essential that affordable rented and low-cost home ownership properties are provided to meet their needs." A development in Chase Road in neighbouring Lindford, has already benefited from the funding. The 207 homes include 60 affordable properties, both for rent and for low-cost home ownership through the Newbuild Home Buy Scheme (part buy, part rent). A number of one and two-bedroom flats will soon be available through the shared ownership project. These properties have been secured for local people and applicants will need to demonstrate a local connection. Anyone interested in low-cost home ownership can contact HomesinHants on 023 8062 8000 to register, or visit the website, http://www.HomesinHants.gov.uk">www.HomesinHants.gov.uk For further information, contact EHDC's housing development department on 01730 234340.
