Work has started on a development of new council-owned homes at Valley Drive, Gravesend, the latest step in a project to build hundreds of new 'affordable rent' homes.

Demolition of 36 old bedsits got underway at Valley Drive last week on a site that will see 48 new homes built in the coming months.

These will include 32 one-bedroomed apartments for people over the age of 55, 16 one and two-bed apartments, and one three-bedroomed wheelchair ready home, all of which will be available for rent from Gravesham Borough Council.

Cllr Jenny Wallace, Gravesham Borough Council‘s Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: "Despite the challenges and difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic this year, our programme to build modern, affordable new homes for local people is progressing at pace.

"When we asked the people of the Borough what they wanted of us when we were consulting on the council‘s Corporate Plan, one of the things they said they wanted was more homes to rent. This is our response to that demand."

Earlier this year residents moved into Pankhurst Place, a £2.7 million development of 17 affordable rent homes, while work is advanced on a development of 32 homes including flats and houses on a site at Whitehill Road.

A site at St Patrick’s Gardens is being prepared for construction to start on 23 new homes.

“Providing a good mix of high quality, affordable homes is key to helping local people stay in the Borough and to creating stronger neighbourhoods and a vibrant community,” said Cllr Wallace.

“That work is advancing well on a number of sites is a visible sign of our commitment to providing quality, affordable homes, which will be allocated via our Housing Register to applicants from within the Borough.”

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