THE council is set to sell land in Kendal to a social housing provider to provide ‘much needed’ affordable homes.

Members of the cabinet for Westmorland and Furness Council have approved plans to sell land at High Sparrowmire to South Lakes Housing to allow the construction of affordable housing on the site.

Council officials have now been delegated authority to settle the terms of the sale.

Cabinet member for housing and customer services councillor Judith Derbyshire said: “We desperately need affordable housing.

“This one has taken a while to come through and I’d like to thank all the staff that worked really hard on it.

“I’m glad that it’s got to this stage and I’m glad it’s moving forward.”

This comes after the planning committee for South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) delegated authority for council officers to grant planning permission to the social housing developer in 2020 for the construction of 25 affordable homes on the site just north of Hallgarth housing estate.

The proposed development will consist of nine properties available for social rent and 16 for shared ownership.

According to the report prepared for the cabinet, the council plan states: “Housing is a major issue. We need more, affordable, quality housing so that local families can build a life here and new people can be attracted to relocate. Much of the existing housing stock presents challenges and gives rise to rural and urban fuel poverty and health issues.

“These challenges have consequences for young people and families being able buy a home. Housing is also under pressure from second homes and holiday lets, with serious consequences for small rural communities.

“We are committed to building affordable, high specification energy efficient homes. We will support the provision of housing and create employment opportunities to encourage the young to stay and to attract young families and skilled people; welcoming people from all communities to build their lives here.”

The cabinet agreed to delegate authority to council officers to settle the terms of the sale of the land on October 15 at the Marchesi Centre in Windermere.