Maidstone sets out plans for 90 new social homes

The former Bathstore site in Maidstone is one of the sites acquired by the council

Maidstone Borough Council has bought five more sites to build 90 homes for social rent.

It is part of authority's target to build 1,000 affordable homes in the borough over the coming years.

The sites are a former Bathstore, Corben's Yard, land at Granville Road, Britannia House and the former Royal British Legion site in Parkwood.

William Cornall, the council's director for regeneration, said the private housing market was "simply beyond the reach of many".

Property developer The Chartway Group has been appointed to deliver the Royal British Legion site, while Skillcrown will build the other four.

Four houses for "first homes" will also be built at the new sites.

In March, the council approved controversial plans for thousands of homes over the coming years, despite fears of the borough becoming “another Milton Keynes".

The plan for local housebuilding up until 2038 will see more than 17,000 new homes built across the borough.

Mr Cornall said the new affordable homes would be for "those people who need them most".

“The council needs more affordable housing in Maidstone for local people. The private sales and private rental market is simply beyond the reach of many, so MBC needs to increase its own affordable housing stock," he added.

The council has secured Social Housing Grant funding from Homes England to provide the subsidy for the schemes.