Plans
to build 1,600 affordable homes on surplus public land in south-east and
eastern England will include housing for at least 850 key workers.
Two
registered social landlords have been chosen to develop properties on 56 sites
in Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Basildon, Crawley, Hemel Hempstead,
Northampton, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City.
English
Partnerships is providing the sites free of charge, while the Housing
Corporation will provide funding through the Social Housing Grant.
Deputy
prime minister John Prescott said the move would help to bridge the gap between
supply and demand for high quality affordable homes.
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"The
towns selected have been identified as particular areas of need and combining
the forces of English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation has been crucial
in delivering fast results," he said.