New guide to boost affordable housing

07-Feb-2006

A new design guide has been unveiled by Prince Charles which aims to improve the availability of affordable housing in the countryside.

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The Prince of Wales has launched the publication in an effort to tackle the problem of a lack of affordable housing for first time buyers in rural areas, where residents are often concerned about the impact of cheap housing being built near them.

His new document is designed to overcome these objections by showing how a property can be designed so that it is not only affordable for aspiring homeowners, but also fits in with surrounding buildings so that any affordable housing schemes do not become eyesores.

During a visit to Cumbria, the Prince stated: "You only have to look at house prices and wage levels in the Lake District. The minimum house price is £150,000, the average income generally £12,000 to £15,000."

This, he explained, makes it very difficult for aspiring first time buyers when finding a deposit or finding a mortgage, because of the discrepancy between the two.

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"This situation is by no means unique to this part of the world," he added.

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