Hillingdon Council's building programme to deliver more affordable rented housing in the borough is continuing to take shape.

The project to build more homes has been awarded £8 million by central government, which will be used for 97 units of housing across Hayes, West Drayton and Yeading. Work has already started, with the sites being cleared for the construction of new houses in July and all homes due to be completed by March next year.

The programme meets the council's objectives of improving the local environment as sites selected for building on are disused, underused or subject to problems such as anti-social behaviour. The sites were identified in conjunction with Hillingdon Homes.

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The new homes will reach high standards of sustainability, with a bungalow in West Drayton being constructed using hempcrecte, an alternative to concrete that provides improved insulation and is stronger, lighter and more durable. The new buildings are being built to level four and five of the code for sustainable homes, which are high standards to reach.

Some of the new units are being specially designed to house a family with a wheelchair user, and will be available to families for whom there is currently a lack of housing available suitable for their needs.

In addition to the project, Triscott House in Hayes is also being developed as part of a new extra care scheme for older people. The project will involve the demolition of the existing sheltered housing and the construction on 47 new flats.

The new flats will provide independent living in self contained accommodation but with care facilities available on site which includes hydrotherapy suites, a surgery/treatment room and carers accommodation, as well as communal facilities such as a dining room, hairdresser and kiosk. The work at Triscott House is due to begin in August.

The council is in discussion with building contractors to appoint local labour where possible, as well as looking into employing trainees and apprentices to gain on-site experience as part of their qualification.

(CD/KMcA)