A community group has become the first to get an award from Dover District Council’s Community Housing Grants Scheme.

A total £3,000 has gone to the Betteshanger Social Welfare Scheme to carry out initial studies for community housing on a number of its sites.

DDC’s Community Housing Grants Scheme aims to enable funding of affordable homes, built through community-led projects.

Community groups or organisations looking to deliver such schemes within the Dover District can apply.

The grants are funded by the central government, with a pot of £100,000 available.

Gary Cox, BSWS Trustee and Secretary said: “Receiving this funding and working in partnership with DDC's Community Housing Team, will hopefully allow us to offer much needed affordable and suitable dwellings.”

For more details about the scheme see the community housing page on the Dover District Council website