A NEW development of affordable homes has officially been opened in Leominster.

The development, located on Laundry Lane and built by the Wrekin Housing Trust, consists of flats and houses for shared ownership, affordable rent and market rent.

The new estate has also helped contribute to the supply of affordable housing in the area.

Chairman of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Brian Wilcox, said: “I was delighted to formally open this development, which not only provides much needed housing for local people, but the development itself has already made a positive contribution to the local economy.

"The economic impact of the entire development includes £8.5million into the wider economy and 83 jobs, including four apprenticeships.”

As with many other parts of the country, there is a lack of affordable housing in Herefordshire. The National Housing Federation reports that the average house price in the county is £234,271, while the average annual income is £23,135.

In the rental market, the average monthly rent for a private property in Herefordshire is £597. This means many people are being priced out of home ownership or finding a good quality home for an affordable rent.

Affordable and shared housing schemes are aimed at making renting more affordable and give people a chance to get on the housing ladder.