An innovative approach by Flintshire County Council has led to three new houses being gifted to the authority, to add to its housing stock.
A new development of 35 houses in Abermorddu, by David Wilson Homes North West, will see three of the new homes gifted to the Council under planning legislation, which ensures that all new developments make provision for affordable housing. Flintshire is the first Council in North Wales to acquire housing using this legislation.
If there is proven demand for affordable housing in an area, the Council can ensure that 30% of the units built are used for the provision of affordable housing schemes. Where there is not sufficient demand (which is dictated by people who have registered for affordable housing in an area), then the Council can negotiate the equivalent value in either gifted housing, or commuted sums to be spent on meeting affordable housing need in the county.
In addition to this, it has been agreed as part of the planning consent that a sum of £24,500 is to be provided by David Wilson Homes North West to help support local education facilities, whilst a further £75,000 is being provided by the house builder for the provision and long term maintenance of an equipped play area adjacent to the residential development.
The affordable houses will all be built to Development Quality Requirements (DQR) standards, which dictate a larger than average footprint for the properties, and other exacting standards, including energy efficiency. The properties will be made available for rental to applicants registered on the county’s Affordable Homeownership Register, with part of the rental income being secured for the tenant in the form of a deposit, so that they can later take their first step on the housing ladder.
Councillor Helen Brown, Executive Member for Housing at Flintshire County Council, said:
“Many residents in Flintshire are finding it difficult to afford a home of their own, which is why initiatives like this one are essential to help support affordable home ownership and sustain our communities. It is pleasing that Flintshire County Council has led the way in North Wales through the application of the legislation in this way.”
Steve Jackson, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes North West, added: “David Wilson Homes North West prides itself on building communities in which people aspire to live, not just houses. We are delighted to be partnering with Flintshire County Council to not only offer quality homes to Abermorddu residents, but to also help support education and community facilities within the local area.”
