A CONTROVERSIAL affordable housing scheme could be jump-started with taxpayers’ cash.
Maldon District Council agreed a £126,000 grant towards 14 affordable homes in Friars Lane, Maldon.
There was a £826,000 deficit in Chelmer Housing Partnership’s £2million scheme.
The Government’s Homes and Communities agency pledged £700,000 towards the cost, leaving £126,000 which the council were asked to pledge as a grant.
Paul Gayler, the council’s strategic housing manager, said: “The council has a target for providing affordable housing, so this development will help us achieve our aims.”
A new planning application will have to be submitted to the council before building work on the properties, which will be allocated through the council’s choice based lettings scheme, can go ahead.
Planning permission was granted in January last year to build 12 flats and two ground-floor business units at the site.
The proposal collapsed due to the recession and Chelmer Housing Partnership stepped in with a new proposal.
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