Crawley council to buy affordable homes on major development site

Crawley Borough Council is set to buy up to 86 flats on a major development site to secure much-needed affordable housing and get a solid deal for taxpayers.

The council is expected to buy the flats on the former Southern Counties site at 27-45 Ifield Road from developer Crest Nicholson, following approval from members at the Full Council meeting on 22 July.

This town centre site has outline planning permission for 218 flats with on-site crèche, gym and basement parking.

The current proposal is for the council to buy three studio flats, 51 one-bedroom flats and 32 two-bedroom flats.

The council will enter into a conditional purchase agreement for the acquisition of the 86 affordable housing units from Crest Nicholson Regeneration.

The deal will be conditional on Crest Nicholson obtaining full planning consent and building the flats to the specification agreed with the council.

Councillor Peter Lamb, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the council to acquire a significant number of affordable flats at a great price.

“The Southern Counties site is a major opportunity site in the town centre which has remained undeveloped for too long. I’m delighted that we’re able to help bring forward this large development and much-needed affordable housing.”

Chris Tinker, chairman of Crest Nicholson Regeneration, added: “We are delighted to be working with Crawley Borough Council to regenerate this significant town centre site and bring forward much needed affordable homes for local people.”