Unused council land will be turned into 50 low-cost homes as part of a council commitment to helping residents amid the cost-of-living crisis.

A new affordable housing development is set for construction at Horns Lane in High Wycombe on land previously owned by Bucks Council as part of an ongoing effort to provide reliable homes for the community.

Social housing provider Sovereign enlisted Woolridge Developments to construct the site, which they say will be built to high residential and sustainability standards.

Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and Resources, John Chilver, said he was delighted at the prospect of new affordable housing developments.

“This decision marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing options for our residents. By repurposing unused land that we own, we’re not only addressing the housing needs of our community, but also ensuring the efficient use of valuable resources.”

The Horns Lane site will see the construction of 50 low-cost homes with sustainability features including air source heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels.

Sovereign's Home and Place Standard, a benchmark for properties owned by the housing association, will also ensure the new builds meet criteria for longevity, environmental suitability and personal safety.

Head of Land for Wooldridge Developments, Jed West, said: “We are very proud to be involved in the Horns Lane project and look forward to working with Buckinghamshire Council and Sovereign to deliver much-needed affordable housing in High Wycombe.

“Horns Lane is set to contribute to Wooldridge Developments’ significant pipeline of affordable housing sites throughout the South East. Our focus is on establishing partnerships with housing associations to deliver energy-efficient homes and facilities that promote thriving communities.”

Buckinghamshire Council previously sold land to low-cost housing developers at Bellfield Road in Wycombe, a former storage facility now set to become 68 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

According to Housing Association Magazine, in January 2023 there were over a million households on social housing waiting lists, with many facing homelessness as a result of a decline in developments over the last five years and a spike in the private rental market.

Click here to learn more about Bucks Council's commitment to providing affordable housing.