New council homes are set to be provided in Alfreton and Swanwick as part of a plan to increase the availability of affordable housing in Amber Valley.

Amber Valley Borough Council has approved plans to create up to 44 council homes

The new housing will be provided by buying and/or building 44 properties to rent in Alfreton, Swanwick, Heanor and Kirk Langley.

The scheme marks the revival of council housing in Amber Valley.

The last time AVBC created new housing stock was in 1985. Subsequently, all but one property was sold to Futures Housing leaving the council with just one direct housing tenant.

A total of £8.96 million has bee allocated over three years to pay for new housing but AVBC says the move is “expected to generate income”.

David Arkle, head of housing and growth at AVBC, said: “As the council manages the housing register and delivers the homelessness prevention services, it is starkly aware of the pressing need to provide more accommodation for local people.

“A capital programme of £8.96 million has been agreed upon and will be used flexibly over the next three years to optimise the delivery of affordable homes.

“The council is stepping forward to acquire affordable homes through a variety of mechanisms and will continue to work with partners to provide more affordable housing options.”

You can read the full update from AVBC here.

Share your news updates, information and events on the Spirit of Alfreton for free via Tell Us Your News.