BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council will look at more residential investment in a bid to help the housing need.

As previously reported in The Gazette, at a full council meeting in February 2017, members wanted portfolio holders to look at investing more in residential needs to support affordable housing as well as the borough council’s homeless strategy.

At the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 15 May, councillors agreed to add an amendment to look at more residential investment in a bid to achieve the council’s objectives in terms of its property investment strategy.

Speaking about a report on the matter, cabinet member for property and development, Councillor John Izzet said: “It proposes that in future residential investments should also be actively pursued alongside commercial in support of this council's priorities in respect of affordable housing, urban regeneration and prevention of homelessness while maintaining the property and Investment strategy's key objective of delivering reasonable returns, albeit at a lower level for residential. “

Deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, regeneration, arts and heritage, Cllr Terri Reid added: “Developing affordable housing has been something reflected by our residents for some time.

“Therefore, we will be looking at what moves can be made to invest in affordable housing. I think this amendment is a very good forward step.”

Cabinet member for finance, service delivery and improvement, Cllr Robert Tate, added that the amendment to the strategy was a sound one that would further support future investment.

Cllr Tate added: “This shows aspiration on the housing side of our investments and I support any future investment made which may support affordable homes in the area.”