Home Developers told to build affordable homes

Developers told to build affordable homes

Residential property developers in Manchester are being told that they must include provisions for affordable housing when submitting plans for council approval.

Manchester City Council has said that planning applications for developments of more than 15 homes must take into account first-time buyers who are struggling to get on the property ladder.

Housebuilders that fail to comply with the council's request will be refused permission to build their proposed development.

Councillor Neil Swannick said: "Manchester's population is growing, with people wanting to stay in the city and newcomers wanting to move in.

"The council is committed to increasing the number of families who can afford to buy homes in the city."

According to local policy-makers, ways to make housing more affordable include subsidising purchase costs and enabling househunters to buy a share of a home rather than the entire property.

Urban Splash has already committed itself to affordable housebuilding in Manchester. One of its projects is the refurbishing of the Ancoats Hospital Dispensary building, which is being turned into 12 apartments.
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02/11/2007