Newham Council commences work on first new housing scheme in 30 years

Work is now underway on the first new homes development to be built by Newham Council in 30 years.

Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales visited the site on Chatsworth Road, Maryland, to mark the start of construction on the six new properties.

The new homes will be built by the council’s repair and maintenance team and are the first homes to be built directly by the local authority in 30 years.

Construction of the three bedroom homes are based around a timber frame. As well as building the properties, the council’s team will also form the foundations, create the drainage, construct the roads and install necessary street lighting.

A further five sites in the borough have been identified by the council to deliver 32 new homes. The plan is to build more than 100 new homes over the next three years.

Sir Robin Wales said: “This innovative project will help provide more homes to residents. Our repairs and maintenance team are highly experienced so the quality will be high.

“We have 17,000 people on our housing waiting list and hundreds of homeless families approaching us for help. To give those residents a fighting chance of getting a home, we need a rapid and expansion of affordable properties.

“However, it’s not just about creating bricks and mortar. Housing needs to be genuinely affordable for residents. This is something I am currently exploring and I will ensure these homes remain within the reach of residents living in Newham.”

Completion of the new homes development is expected in the autumn.