Archive Council News

11.04.07

First Affordable Homes Available in Wrexham

A Wrexham lady was all smiles today when she officially took possession of her first home that was bought thanks to Wrexham Council's affordable housing policy.

Elizabeth Williams met with officers and members of Wrexham Council, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd and Gordon Mytton Homes at her new home in Pentre Broughton and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Tai Clwyd.

The scheme operates on a shared ownership basis and is targeted directly at local people who have strong community connections to the area. They must also be in real housing need and be unable to afford a property on the open market. There are also mechanisms in place to ensure that the property remains affordable for future generations.

There are several affordable schemes being developed in Wrexham and young people looking for their first homes may now find themselves with an opportunity to buy rather than rent a property. Applicants can purchase 50, 60 or 75 per cent shares under shared ownership and then pay rent on the unsold equity.

Further information about affordable housing in Wrexham is obtainable from Housing Strategy Team 01978 315511.

Cllr Rodney Skelland, Wrexham Council's Lead Member for Social Affairs, Health and Housing who was present said:

"Providing the means to offer affordable homes to local people is a priority for us and I am delighted that they are now becoming available in Wrexham. By ensuring local people are housed in their own communities will ensure that those communities continue to thrive."

Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd Chief Executive Alwyn Llwyd, said:

"At Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd we firmly believe that providing affordable quality housing to local people means much more than simply providing a place to live. Our aim is to continue to offer similar opportunities to local people to enter the housing market".

Wrexham Council adopted its affordable housing guidance in 2005 and is a formal consideration when planning applications for relevant developments are considered. To ensure affordable housing remains affordable for future owners it is subject to a legal agreement and offered via a registered social landlord.