A COUNCIL leader has welcomed the completion of new affordable housing in Kendal as he took a tour of the homes. 

Councillor Jonathan Brook, South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) leader and Councillor Helen Chaffey, housing portfolio holder at SLDC, visited the five new homes in Parkside Road this week.

Formerly a garage site, the redevelopment was completed by South Lakes Housing (SLH) and comprises three homes for social rent and two for shared ownership.

All of the homes are now occupied by local residents.

The homes have been constructed using improved fabric insulation and low carbon technology (PV Panels and Battery Storage), and according to the housing association they will all perform to high environmental standards having achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating A.

Lisa, an SLH tenant at Parkside Road, said: “Moving into a new home has been wonderful for me and my family. It has been life changing and we are like different people who are so much happier.

“As my new home has lots of energy efficient features, I have been able to reduce my household bills and heat my home without it costing a fortune.”

Cath Purdy, chief executive of SLH, who welcomed the councillors at the site, said: “We are thrilled with the outcome of this development. We have replaced unattractive garages with homes for people that really need them.

“This development is helping to combat the housing crisis locally and it will make a positive difference to local people who have been struggling to own or rent their own home. We hope that the residents will be very happy in their new homes.”

Councillor Brook said: “We know there is a significant need for affordable homes for local families and I am delighted that SLDC have been able to contribute towards this development.

“A key priority in our Council Plan is to enable the delivery of 1,000 affordable homes to rent over the ten-year period to 2025 and we are on track to deliver this. South Lakes Housing deserve congratulations for transforming this site and helping meet the target.”

Councillor Chaffey added: “We need to ensure there are enough good quality, affordable homes to meet the needs of present and future generations. What also impressed me about this development was that it was built to Nationally Described Space Standards, generously proportioned with plenty of storage space.”

The project has been funded by SLH and Homes England with some funding also coming from South Lakeland District to support site assembly to facilitate the development.