APPLICATIONS are being invited for more new affordable homes coming to the market in South Lakeland.

The homes in Grange-over-Sands and Kendal are being built by developers and eligible local residents are now being encouraged to contact South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) if they are interested in buying one of the properties through the council’s ‘low cost home ownership’ scheme.

One of the homes, a three-bedroom semi-detached house with garden built by Russell Armer Homes at The Avenue development, off Vicarage Drive in Kendal, is available under the scheme at £110,000, less than 58% of the open market value. Applications for this property need to be made by 16 December 2016.

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At the Shoreside development on Kents Bank Road, Grange-over-Sands, Wainhomes is building two and three bedroom homes and a two-bedroom apartment that are available under the scheme with prices starting at £80,000.

SLDC has a key Council Plan commitment to help deliver more affordable housing in the district, to meet an identified demand and to help local residents to be able to afford to buy their own home in South Lakeland.

The council works with developers and housing associations to ensure affordable homes are built as part of new developments.

To be able to buy one of the houses through the low cost home ownership scheme someone would need to have lived in the local area for at least three years and not able to afford to buy or rent on the open market.

Anyone interested in one of the properties who believes they meet the eligibility criteria is being invited to contact the council to discuss an application.

The council’s own housing strategy identifies a key affordability problem in South Lakeland, with high housing costs coupled with modest incomes meaning that in some parts of the district average house prices are up to 12 times higher than average incomes.

Figures show that median house prices in South Lakeland have increased from £74,000 in 2000 to £210,000 in 2013.

Affordable, decent housing was also identified as the second most important issue for residents (behind health) in the council’s recent South Lakeland Quality of Life Survey.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Housing and Innovation, said: "A shortage of decent affordable housing means many people, particularly young people, are unable to buy their own home or rent a home close to where they work.

"Our young people and families need housing they can afford if they are to stay in this area.

"We have a clear strategy to address these issues. We encourage builders to provide affordable homes both to rent and to buy and our low cost home ownership scheme is a valuable part of that offer.

"I would urge anyone who wants to buy their own home, but is struggling and who meets the eligibility criteria, to look at this scheme and consider calling us to discuss an application."

  • For more information about the Shoreside properties in Grange-over-Sands contact Wainhomes on 07779 993104 or 01925 885400, or for information about the property at The Avenue, Kendal, call 01539 724282.
  • For more information about the low cost home ownership scheme and eligibility criteria contact SLDC’s Affordable Housing Officer on 01539 793377.