Islington: Affordable housing projects get underway

Affordable housing projects have gotten underway in Islington, it has been revealed. 

A deal between Islington Council and Keniston Housing Association will result in a "100 per cent social housing" scheme being implemented across the borough.

In Archway, around 14 new homes are currently being constructed, which will meet the housing needs of 50 people, including families.

Islington Council revealed that the homes will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses, including one which has been specially adapted for a wheelchair user. 

In addition to being suitable for people on low incomes, the properties will be eco-friendly, containing solar panels, green roof and argon-filled double glazing, which is likely to result in lower energy bills, according to the council.

Commenting on the developments, James Murray, Islington Council's executive member for housing and development, said the scheme was designed to tackle poverty levels faced by families living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions.

He said: "We desperately need more affordable housing in Islington. It's vital for us that when new homes are built, their rents are kept down at genuinely affordable levels. The government has cut the amount of money going into new affordable housing, meaning schemes with 100 per cent social housing like the one on Junction Road got stuck.

"We were able to step in with extra funding to unlock the scheme – we have made sure it went ahead with a guarantee of all the homes being for social rent."

Lifetime tenancies will be offered to tenants who live in the housing. Keniston Housing Association has also welcomed the scheme.

Nevil Osborne, chief executive of Keniston Housing Association, said: "I am delighted to be working in partnership with Islington Council to build these new homes for people in Islington."

But this is not the only housing scheme to take place in Islington. It was recently reported that building developer Allford Hall Monaghan Morris has submitted plans to build 150 houses in Islington on behalf of developer First Base.

Published 6th January, 2014

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