Dover District Council (DDC) has received a £480,000 grant from the government to build 24 affordable homes for local people who are at risk of homelessness.
The grant is part of the Brownfield Land Release Fund, which is run by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and One Public Estate. The fund aims to support the development of brownfield sites across the country.
The grant will enable DDC to resume work on a previously stalled project in Poulton Close, where two blocks of flats will be built on council-owned land near the St Radigunds Community Centre.
The flats will be used as interim housing for people who are waiting for a council house and have lost their previous accommodation. This will provide them with a more stable and comfortable living environment than staying in a bed and breakfast (B&B).
The project was delayed because of the high cost of making the site ready for construction. But with the help of the grant, DDC can now start the remediation works and proceed with the building of the new homes.
The project is part of DDC’s commitment to deliver 200 new council homes a year, including homes for affordable rent, shared ownership and interim housing.
DDC’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Pam Brivio, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, which will help us deliver this vital project of interim housing.
“These flats will offer some relief and security to people who are facing homelessness, instead of them having to cope with the stress and uncertainty of staying in a B&B.
“This project will also save money for DDC, as B&B accommodation is very expensive, and will allow us to support people while we find a more permanent solution for their housing needs.”
More details
To find out more about DDC’s affordable housing schemes, visit www.dover.gov.uk/Housing/Housing-Development/Housing-Development.aspx
One Public Estate is a partnership between the Office of Government Property in the Cabinet Office, the Local Government Association and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. It offers practical and technical support and funding for public sector partners to work together on property-led projects.