Housing minister to visit Bristol

Housing minister John Healey was due to visit Bristol today to visit the first phase of a major housing development.

He was visiting Mallard Close, a key part of a new development off Whitehall Road, Speedwell.

This development was kick-started by funding made up of a £3.6 million Homes and Communities Agency grant, £558,000 of Bristol City Council funding and £4,273,732 from housing group Sovereign South and West.

The development in Speedwell is part of the scheme to knock down 330 pre-fabricated post-war bungalows at 15 sites across the city and build new homes.

Councillor Mark Wright, cabinet member for housing, said: "This major scheme, which will deliver 83 much-needed units of social housing, is an excellent example of partnership working.

"Meeting the demand for housing is one of the most important challenges the city faces and the authority is taking an innovative, multi-pronged approach.

"I welcome the funding which has been made available to date. We will need to work with the Government to enable us to deliver the rest of the programme."

Ann Santry, chief executive officer for Sovereign, said: "Sovereign is really pleased to have worked with the Homes and Communities Agency, Bovis Homes and Bristol City Council on this and other recent developments within Bristol.

"John Healey's visit shows the Government's recognition of forming excellent working partnerships and also highlights the fact that Bristol is a key location for providing affordable housing."