Monday 11 December 2006
Minister visits new affordable homes

Housing minister Yvette Cooper saw how new affordable homes are helping to meet local housing needs in Luton during a visit today (Mon, Dec 11).

Ms Cooper joined MP Margaret Moran for a tour of new affordable flats at Studley Road, recently completed by leading housing provider bpha.

The £1,670,000 scheme, built with Housing Corporation grant funding of just over £1m, comprises 27 new flats to be offered at affordable rents to local people.

The new blocks - known as Bunyan House and Progress House - are built on a site provided by Luton Borough Council. Building work is now complete with the new residents due to be moving in shortly.

Meetings were held with local community groups to consult on drawing up the redevelopment proposals.
As a leading developer of new affordable homes, bpha was awarded £29m by the Housing Corporation earlier this year under its National Affordable Housing Programme.

The funding will see the housing association develop hundreds of new affordable homes for low cost rent and home ownership across the region over the next two years.

John Cross, chief executive of bpha, said: "We have worked closely with Luton Borough Council to develop the scheme at Studley Road and to provide high quality affordable accommodation.

"We were delighted that Yvette Cooper chose to visit the scheme, as an example of how we are working in partnership to meet local housing needs and regenerate rundown areas."

The visit came as Ms Cooper was returning from the Growth Area Regeneration and Housing Conference at Putteridge Bury Conference Centre in Luton, where she was giving the keynote speech.