SOUTH Lakeland District Council is a year ahead of schedule in its quest to deliver 1,000 new affordable homes by 2025.

Eight new affordable housing schemes have been completed in South Lakeland by housing associations in the past six months, meaning 157 new affordable homes have been built -145 of which are for rent.

Through its land allocations the council has identified sites for new housing, with requirements that 35 per cent of any new development will be made up of affordable housing.

The recent progress means that since January 2014 a total of 191 new affordable homes for rent will have been delivered, which is ahead of schedule for this point in the process, most notably on Appleby Road, Kendal, where 47 homes have been erected.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, SLDC portfolio holder for Strategic Growth, said: “This is excellent progress. We are working hard, together with partners, including housing associations and private housing developers, to maximise delivery of new market and affordable homes across the district.

“Our Council Plan includes key commitments to provide homes to meet need and our core strategy requires that 35 per cent of new dwellings on larger sites should be affordable housing.

“This shows our determination to meet the challenge of providing new housing, including affordable homes for local people. We are especially keen to give our young people the opportunity to live and work in the areas where they have grown up.’’