Hundreds of cheap homes promised

Hundreds of homes will be provided at two major development sites

Hundreds of new homes are being promised by housing bosses who have secured £18.8m in funding.

The Housing Corporation - the government agency which regulates housing associations - has earmarked the money for Reading, Berkshire.

It will pay for 335 new affordable homes, including rental properties, homes designed for the disabled and key worker housing, says the local council.

More than 230 homes will be provided at two major sites in the town.

House plans supported

Almost £3m of the funding has been allocated to provide 60 affordable homes at the Reading Gateway/Southside development currently being built on the site of the old Thames Water treatment works.

Other projects include the Battle Hospital site where £9.5m will be spent by the Southern Housing Group to provide 179 homes.

More than £300,000 has also been awarded for 13 units for people with special needs, on sites that were once derelict garages.