Council gives greenlight to 605 new affordable houses in Winchester

Young people and families will benefit from 605 new council houses and flats in Winchester by 2020, it has been announced.

Winchester City Council had originally planned to build 300 homes but has now vowed to double this figure to 605.

Caroline Horrill, leader of Winchester City Council, said: “I am delighted that we are doubling our target to 600.

“We aspire to deliver quality affordable housing for residents of all ages across the district and reduce our waiting list. It is important to offer people a choice of housing.”

Potential sites have already been identified including 65 on land off Harestock Road near Littleton, 80 on Dykes Farm which is within the South Downs national Park and 100 flats above garages near Winnall.

The news comes after Winchester City Council’s housing committee approved the development of 76 affordable homes in The Valley, Stanmore.

Cllr Jamie Scott spoke told Winol: “We are pleased to see the council redressing the balance here following a general loss of family housing to HMOs [Houses in multiple occupation.]

“It’s a good example of the council and local members actually listening to what people who live here have been saying and addressing their concerns.”