Chorley council builds more than 1,500 affordable homes for locals
The council has surpassed its target.
Sold sign outside a property. Pic: Chris Ison/PA Wire
Submitted by Paul Bennett
The local council has beaten its target to build 1,000 affordable homes over the last decade.
Since 2010, Chorley Council has delivered 1,535 new homes.
They have a core target to build 50 affordable homes per year but raised it to an ambitious 100 homes per year in 2012.
Councillor Peter Gabbott, executive member for homes and housing, said: "Creating a borough which boasts clean, safe, healthy homes and communities is a number one priority for us.
"I’m delighted that over the last decade we have been able to deliver over 1,500 homes – by far surpassing our targets.
"Affordable homes are vital to a flourishing local community.
"So many people across all walks of life are struggling financially and affordable homes can allow those who find it difficult to make ends meet to still live in their own home, do this locally and to stay in the borough."
The council in Chorley, Lancashire has met the 100-home target eight out of 11 years.
They have only missed the 50-home target once - during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Peter said: "Despite the effects of the pandemic, the council delivered 47 homes last year – just three shy of the core strategy 50-home target.
"The pandemic of course has had an effect on home building, and we have seen that planned developments have been delayed due to various reasons.
"We are not prepared to let this stop us and already our officers are working on a strategy to ensure we can go forward and continue to meet our targets."
The council plans to create a healthy dialogue with landowners to support and work with them to bring land forward for affordable development.
Peter said: "The council are committed to sustainable development.
"We’ll continue to put pressure on land developers to ensure reasonable portions of properties in developments are affordable and that development is always considered and done in a way that is right for the community.
"I look forward to seeing our programme progress, but more importantly look forward to seeing individuals and families able to flourish in the borough."
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