A 100 per cent affordable housing development in Maidenhead has begun construction.

Made possible by a £4m investment by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the affordable housing scheme is being delivered by the council’s Property Company.

When complete, the development will provide 14 one and two-bedroom flats.

Cabinet member for planning councillor Adam Bermange said: “I think everyone recognises that our borough is affected by a local housing market that presents a significant barrier to those on lower incomes and young people trying to buy or rent.

“Whilst this scheme is relatively small and we know some homes labelled ‘affordable’ may remain out of reach for some, this, nevertheless, demonstrates one way the council can work proactively towards addressing the housing challenge and needs locally.”

Construction work for the affordable housing development is anticipated to be completed by autumn 2024.

Cllr Bermange added: “By retaining and investing in our own assets to deliver affordable properties of different tenures and sizes, we also generate a much-needed future income stream. Importantly, it also brings a vacant brownfield site back into a beneficial use within the community.

“This is the first such scheme being delivered through the council’s Property Company, which is currently exploring other council-owned sites for their potential for similar smaller-sized schemes, from which we are particularly keen to see more social-rent homes delivered.

“The start of construction is an exciting milestone but I most look forward to seeing the development completed so people can move into their new homes.”

Council representatives gathered at the cleared site alongside its Property Company, construction contractor Helix and others to celebrate the start of the work.

Construction director at Helix Jon Scofield said: “As our first project working with the Royal Borough, we’re delighted to be starting construction on the delivery of much-needed affordable homes for the community.

“Today’s milestone is just the start of this journey to delivering high-quality homes and we look forward to continuing to build our partnership with the Royal Borough and our partner organisations across the duration of this project and beyond.”