GOVERNMENT FUNDING BOOST FOR FLAGSHIP GREEN COUNCIL HOUSES

12.00.00am GMT Mon 18th Jan 2010

Plans to build York's first council houses in over 20 years moved a step closer today as the Government announced it would contribute £1.25m to the scheme.

The Government funding comes from the Local Authority Challenge Fund, with the remainder of the £2.5m scheme funded by City of York Council.

The development will see 9 two-bed homes and 12 three -bed homes built on council-owned land off Lilbourne Drive in Clifton.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services, Councillor Jonathan Morley said the announcement was great news for the city. He said, "It has been a long time since any new council houses were built in York so this is certainly a welcome announcement."

"The construction of these new homes will provide a much needed boost to the local construction industry and will be a welcome addition to the Council's stock of housing."

The proposed development is one of only three nationally that will achieve the code level 5 rating for sustainability.

A code rating of 5 is the second highest rating available under the rating system devised by the Department for Communities and Local Government. It means the houses have double the sustainability rating of standard building regulations.

Councillor Morley added, "It is fantastic news that these new homes will feature such high standard sustainability measures. The government have already recognised York as a centre of excellence for sustainable construction and this development will help to enhance that reputation."

The planning application is due to be submitted in July and, if approved, work on the new homes could be completed by August 2011.