Two social housing projects have taken paces forwards as the interior fitting begins on one scheme and plans have been passed for more homes to be built in expanding Whitfield.

The district council's cabinet has agreed plans for a major project to build 26 new council homes at Napchester Road in Whitfield, Dover.

The land needed for the new homes, which will be available for rent, forms part the developers contributions for local infrastructure for phase 1A of the Whitfield development.

Under this agreement, the land-owner is set to transfer the affordable housing land to the Council for a nominal fee. The new homes will be developed and owned by the council.

Planning permission for the housing, an access road and associated enabling drainage works has been granted.

Work is underway to progress the highways designs, the appointment of a main contractor, and the transfer of the land.

There will be: Two four-bedroom houses, ten three-bedroom houses, four two-bedroom houses, eight two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats.

The two one-bedroom flats will be adapted for wheelchair users.

The design team is taking a sustainable approach to construction and the development will exceed building regulations requirements for the conservation of fuel and power, a statement from the council claims.

The building contractor will also be required to consider the use of green technologies, such as solar panels to light communal areas.

It comes as the authority seeks views on the proposed Dover Fastrack, a new express bus service linking new housing developments at Whitfield and Connaught Barracks, with Dover town centre and Dover Priory railway station.

Cllr Derek Murphy, DDC Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with this project to build 26 new council homes, as we continue to invest in new affordable housing in the district.”

Meanwile in Harold Road, the interiors of 24 social housing apartments are now being fitted in another of the district council's affordable housing projects.

It is part of the £12.5m redevelopment of the William Muge and Snelgrove sites on which comprises 18 two-bedroom apartments, and six one-bedroom homes.

It follows the "topping out" of the of the main buildings despite a brief spell when construction was halted during the lockdown.

Martin Sandall, managing director of construction firm Jenner said: “It is a pleasure to be working with Dover District Council (DDC) once again to deliver essential housing for local people.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to deliver in a manner that ensures safety and quality.

"Consideration for the communities we serve would never be compromised in order to make up for lost time, so it is incredibly encouraging to see such tremendous progress being made amid the challenges of recent circumstance, thanks to the excellent relations fostered between Jenner and DDC.”

In total, the development provides 65 new homes, including a further 29 shared ownership apartments and 12 town houses, which each contain a purpose built work/live space ideal for remote working.

Cllr Derek Murphy, DDC's cabinet member for housing, said: “This mixed tenure development is the largest house building project undertaken directly by the council and a key part of our strategy to invest in new affordable housing in the district.”

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