READING Borough Council looks set to deliver more than 360 affordable homes in the next three years – including nearly 90 this year.
It comes as part of an ongoing commitment by the council to drive up the amount of affordable housing in Reading, as well as add to its own stock of housing.
Councillors say a shortage of affordable housing remains a “major issue” in the town, as many are priced out of the market.
Homes managed by the council can be let with more of a focus on keeping rent at an affordable level, keeping costs to tenants down where possible.
A report going to a meeting of the Council’s Policy Committee next week outlines further progress on “ambitious plans” to add to the 421 delivered as part of a major investment.
Three developments are due to complete in this financial year, including 42 new homes at Hexham Road, 30 new homes at Dwyer Road, and 17 new homes at Amethyst Lane
The council has also outlined how it is looking to continue adding to this stock through 2029.
Battle Street will see the completion of more than 60 new homes, where redevelopment of the former Central Pool site will provide 20 general needs homes.
This is along with 29 sheltered housing flats and 13 supported living flats and an older person’s day opportunities service at the site.
Fourteen new homes are planned in Southcote Lane, where redevelopment of the former Southcote Library site will provide 10 two-bedroom flats, 3 three-bedroom flats and a one-bedroom wheelchair accessible flat, subject to planning approval.
A further 190 new homes at Dee Park as phase 3 of the regeneration project, subject to planning approval.
This will add to the 515 new homes this ongoing project has delivered in partnership in the first two phases.
The council’s active acquisitions programme – which in August saw 16 new homes acquired from Bellway Homes in Watchman’s Place – is also expected to deliver at least 37 more homes by 2029.
Regeneration of existing Council stock is also planned by the Council to ensure as many of its tenants as possible are able to share in the expansion and improvements to its homes.
Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing at Reading Borough Council, said: “Increasing the number of Council homes in Reading is a major priority for this Council.
“I’m sure residents will be as pleased as I am with this latest update, which shows how busy and active we are in this key area.
“It is really exciting that we’re getting closer to providing 89 new affordable homes to Reading residents through the developments at Hexham Road, Dwyer Road and Amethyst Lane.”
He explained: “I’m also delighted that the high levels of activity will continue at Battle Street, Southcote Lane and Dee Park, where the first two phases of regeneration have made such a difference in giving local residents access to the higher standards of housing that they deserve.
“I have no doubt that phase 3 will prove just as valuable to those who live there, and am pleased that our commitment to Reading’s communities is going above and beyond housing and taking in a more rounded approach to include regenerating existing homes and providing key community focal points like community centres to ensure everyone benefits from our work”.
The June 15 Policy Committee report is available to read in full via: democracy.reading.gov.uk
