Three developments helping them meet targets

Newcastle Court, Northolt. Picture: Ealing Council

Just 10 per cent of private rentals in the borough are affordable for people on low incomes, according to Ealing’s housing chief.

To reduce the impact of an overheated housing market on the borough’s most vulnerable, Ealing pledged at the last election to create 2,500 genuinely affordable homes by March 2022.

Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Peter Mason, said: “Our council homes are around 60 per cent cheaper than private rentals, making them the only realistic option for many families.

“And we’re well on our way to hitting our target of creating the next generation of socially rented homes for Ealing – as part of the most ambitious affordable housing programme in London.”

As Ealing Council approaches the third of the way point on their social housing pledge, we look at the three big developments promising affordable homes and how they are progressing.

West Ealing’s Sherwood Close estate is being demolished and rebuilt with a total of 319 modern homes.

Phase one is already completed and occupied. There are two more to come, with 71 one, two, three and four-bed flats included.

They had provided new homes for all council tenants from the demolished Sherwood Close blocks.

The homes are being built in partnership with housing association Clarion Housing.

Sherwood Close

Under the deal, Clarion are paying all costs for the homes using land that formerly belonged to the council.

The council said all new homes and the land will be owned by Clarion Housing, with the council getting 100 per cent of the nominations to the first lets on the estate.

This development hosts 27 homes available for either social let, shared ownership or private sale.

The five four-bed houses and 22 flats at the site are located close to Northolt underground station and the A40.

The council will retain all of the houses and eight of the flats to let to council tenants, with income from the sale of the other units – 10 of which are available as shared ownership – offsetting construction costs.

There will also be a children’s play area and parking spaces.

The blocks of flats are a mix of three and four storeys.

Westend Gardens, Northolt, the £3.2 million scheme near the shops and facilities of Yeading Lane will deliver 15 new homes on a site that used to contain four council flats.

The five houses of phase one – a mixture of two, three and four-beds – were completed and let in June 2018.

Phase two is due to be completed soon and includes one three-bed and nine two-bed flats, including one adapted for a wheelchair user.

All tenants who lived at council homes at the site before demolition have been rehoused at the new estate.

The council said in a press release: “By buying back and incorporating a piece of neighbouring land we have maximised the use of the space to accommodate more families.”

Ged Cann - Local Democracy Reporter

November 7, 2019