Affordable housing development hits significant milestone

Redbridge Council's ambitious affordable home-building programme, which aims to provide quality, safe and secure homes at affordable rents, reached a significant milestone this week as one of its flagship housing developments nears completion.

With a phased completion already underway, Little Gearies in Gants Hill, Ilford, will boast 103 new homes, comprising 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom flats, houses, and maisonettes. The Little Gearies development forms a vital part of Redbridge Council's commitment to building 600 new homes for local families by the end of 2025 and helping to ease the national housing crisis.

Redbridge Council Leader Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley, and Cllr Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, visited Little Gearies this week to check the progress and spoke to residents who have recently moved into the new properties.

The new homes will provide long-term stable accommodation for those in most need, including those currently living in temporary accommodation and those on the council's housing waiting list.

Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: "We're providing these affordable homes to local families who desperately need a roof over their heads. The housing crisis in Redbridge is reaching a critical point, with over 8,000 people on our council house waiting list. That's why we're building 600 new council houses for local families and people in most need.

"While the completion of Little Gearies is a significant milestone in our affordable housing development, we are fully aware of the ongoing demand for new homes throughout the borough. We are committed to working with our partners in the Greater London Authority, developers, and the government to ensure we meet the housing needs of those most in need."

Tom Copley, the Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, said: “I’m delighted that the Little Gearies development is close to delivering 103 new, high-quality genuinely affordable homes in Redbridge, helping to alleviate the council’s growing housing waiting list. 

“Supported by funding from City Hall, this impressive development supports the Mayor’s mission to deliver more high-quality, genuinely affordable homes across the capital, providing long-term homes to those most in need as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.”

Each home has provision and connections for a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. The new homes are also equipped with fixtures and fittings, including fitted kitchens, bathroom suites, energy-efficient appliances, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fittings, and flooring, ensuring people have a comfortable and easy transition when they move in. All homes are highly energy efficient with air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems.

Redbridge Council aims to build 600 new homes by 2025 on existing council-owned sites across the borough after securing £20 million from the Greater London Authority, Building Homes for London grant to help meet our delivery plans. Redbridge currently has among the lowest number of council houses in London, so a local family must wait an average of thirteen years for a property.