The Isle of Wight Council has been awarded almost £1 million in government funding to bring forward three potential brownfield sites for local housing.
The windfall, announced yesterday (Tuesday), will be used to seek to develop disused land at the former Island Learning Centre, Berry Hill, Lake, Thompson House, Sandy Lane, Gatcombe, and the former Weston Academy in Totland.
70 homes to help local people
In total, the sites could provide around 70 homes to help local people and families get on the property ladder.
The funding – which totals £949,765 – comes from the government’s ‘Brownfield land Release Fund’ which is designed to regenerate and ‘level up’ towns and cities across the country.
The bidding process was highly competitive with all English local authorities eligible to apply. The money is provided on the basis that the sites are released for development by March 2024.
Jones-Evans: Delivering affordable housing a key priority
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, said,
“This is fantastic news for the Island. Making the most of previously developed land will help protect our cherished countryside and green spaces.
“Delivering affordable housing for Island residents is a key priority for this council and this grant funding is a step forward in achieving that aim.”
Article edit
11.25am 13th Oct 2021 – Headline amended from “£1m grant could see 70 homes built to help Islanders get on the property ladder” to “£1m grant could help see 70 homes built to help Islanders get on the property ladder”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
