Local people wanting an affordable home to rent or buy have received a big boost with the news that the district is set to receive nearly £4 million from the Housing Corporation that will help build 147 new homes.

A range of proposals submitted by local housing associations have been given the thumbs-up, which would include seeing homes being built at 20 different rural locations across the district.

“This is excellent news with £3.94 million coming from the Housing Corporation to support the Council-backed proposals to build some much-needed new affordable homes in our district,” said Cllr Ray Herring, Leader of Suffolk Coastal.

“We have gained nearly 40 per cent of the cash allocated to councils in the Haven Gateway Sub-region, and our total of 147 homes is over twice that of our next highest partner council.

“I would like to thank, on behalf of our residents, the Housing Corporation for recognising the strength of this district’s successful bids, and also our partner housing associations who will now be able to press ahead with their plans,” added Cllr Herring.

Most of the homes, 107, will be for rent, but 40 of them will be available under the home buy new build scheme, the new name for shared ownership, which will allow more local people to get their first foot on the housing ladder.

“These successful bids have also had to pass the Housing Corporation’s new rules, so they are not only better designed than before but also will play their part in reducing our carbon footprint by being more energy efficient.    

“There is over £8 billion set aside for more affordable housing across the country over the next three years, and I am hopeful that there will be more bids approved from this district during that time.

“It has been recognised nationally that there is a need for more investment in rural areas which have missed out on new affordable homes, and we are more than ready to work with our partners to make sure our residents get their fair share,” added Cllr Herring.

Suffolk Coastal had supported bids to the Housing Corporation from Flagship Housing Group, Hastoe Housing Association, Orwell Housing Association, Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association, and further bids are under consideration.