£14m to be invested in affordable housing in Wigan
More than 100 new high quality affordable homes are set to be built in Wigan thanks to a £14m investment.
Wigan Council is on the verge of proposals which will see three schemes funded with 60 new homes in Park Road, Hindley, 20 new bungalows in Anthorn Road, Winstanley and 30 new homes in Mayfield Road, Orrell.
Building will start on the schemes during the financial year 2017/18 subject to planning approval.
The council is investing significantly in the programme and is also applying for funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.
The 110 homes will be let on affordable rents to applicants on the council’s housing register and there may also be options for shared ownership or owner occupation.
The authority says its plans will address housing need in the borough which sees more than 40% of new households unable to afford housing for rent or sale.
Cllr David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is a significant investment by the council in the type of new and affordable homes which are in high demand by our residents.
“As part of the deal we are committed to delivering new homes to suit demand and playing a key role in making sure housing needs are addressed in the borough.
“The types of homes, including bungalows, will also support the delivery of our innovative approach to social care by enabling residents to live longer and healthier lives in their own homes and reduce the demand and costs on care services and on hospitals.”
Around 58%of those on the council housing register are singles and couples with a one bedroom need.
Around 30% of applicants are aged over 60 and many are living in accommodation that does or will not in the future suit their medical and care needs.
The current supply of available properties in the borough is mostly three bedroomed family houses.
Wigan Council has a target of building 250 homes over the next five years.
The Hindley development of 60 homes on Park Road will consist of eight two bedroom bungalows, 32 two bedroom homes, 16 three bedroom homes and four four-bedroom homes.
The Winstanley development on the site of the former community centre in Anthorn Road will deliver 20 bungalows to be let to over 55s or people with long-term care needs.
The 30 new homes at Orrell will be built at Mayfield Road alongside the autism supported housing scheme which is currently under construction and expected to be completed in December this year.
It is proposed the Orrell development will consist of 18 two-bedroom bungalows, eight two-bedroom houses and four three-bedroom houses.
Wigan Council’s cabinet will consider the plans on Thursday, March 23.
A previous development of affordable homes in Hindley which was completed last year was named the best of its kind in the country last year.
Riding Close, a scheme of 81 homes, including a range of family houses, bungalows and flats, was awarded the ‘Best New Build Scheme category at the National Federation of ALMOS 2016 awards.
