Tuesday 20 February 2007
Tuesday 20 February 2007

Peterborough residents are being invited to find out more about plans for a major affordable housing boost in the city.

Leading housing association bpha is unveiling plans for 76 new affordable homes at Wesleyan Road, Dogsthorpe.

The £8.3m scheme, supported by funding from Peterborough City Council and the Housing Corporation, would provide a mix of homes to meet local housing needs.

Around half of the properties would be let at affordable rents to those on the council's housing register, while the rest would be offered under a shared ownership scheme known as New Build HomeBuy.

New Build HomeBuy, which is managed by bpha in Cambridgeshire in its capacity as a Government-appointed HomeBuy agent, helps households on low incomes to get a foot on the property ladder.

Aimed at existing housing association tenants and applicants, key workers and some first-time buyers, the scheme enables households to buy a share in a home that they can afford, and pay rent on the remainder.

At Wesleyan Road, bpha is also working with specialist BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) housing association ASRA - LHA, to help local residents from these communities access the housing provided.

Under the partnership, ASRA - LHA will advise on matters such as any specific design requirements needed for certain religious groups, and the best way to market the shared ownership homes to reach these communities.

David Keeling, executive director of development at bpha, said: "This is an exciting scheme which will provide a major boost to affordable housing in Peterborough.

"We are particularly pleased that around 25 of the homes at Wesleyan Road will be earmarked for letting or sale to members of BME communities, which we know is a real priority in the city.

"The scheme is the result of closely working with Peterborough City Council to develop a mix of housing which meets local needs and gives residents from all communities a chance to get on the housing ladder."

Before any plans are submitted to the city council, bpha is keen to meet with local residents to hear their views.

An exhibition of the proposals is being held at Dogsthorpe Junior School in Central Avenue, Peterborough, on Monday, February 26, from 3.30pm to 7pm.

Residents interested in the new housing, including those from BME communities, are welcome to attend along with neighbours of the site, who will be able to view and comment on the plans.

Following this feedback, bpha hopes to make a formal planning application in March, which work scheduled to begin in the summer and the first homes available in summer 2008.