Press Releases week beginning 21 October 2019

Successful bid to kick-start new housing

Hastings Borough Council has been awarded up to £6.9m from Homes England to develop council-owned land off Bexhill Road in Bulverhythe. The funding is part of the Local Authority Accelerated Construction programme. This helps councils prepare land for the development of new homes.

For the Bulverhythe development, that means addressing the local residents' fears of annual floods. For other Hastings families in need of homes, it releases land to build homes in a place near shops and schools, planning and technical support is also to be paid for.

The Homes England funding will help deliver around 190 new homes. 40% will be made available as 'Affordable Housing', providing local residents with the opportunity to buy a home through Shared Ownership or to rent through a registered provider at an affordable price. Affordable rent is based on the local Hastings local Housing allowance (LHA) rate.

Cllr Andy Batsford, the council's lead councillor for housing, said:

"We are in a housing crisis and more and more families in the town are struggling to find suitable housing.  We have growing numbers of families living in temporary accommodation. Many young adults are living with their parents because they're unable to get a foot on the proper ladder.  This development gives us a real chance to make a difference to local people's lives. 

"The council is committed to encouraging local feedback on large developments.  As promised, we have started a public engagement process. This makes sure that people interested in the project can share their views and help shape this exciting new place to live.

Before the council submits a planning application, there will be a further public consultation event on 31st October. The council will share emerging proposals followed by a Pre-Application Forum at a later date. Further information can be found on our website.

Stephen Kinsella, Chief Land and Development Officer at Homes England, said:

"This funding will enable the council to prepare their site for development and bring forward the construction of new homes, which will be built out at pace using modern methods of construction."