A NEW development in Bradford on Avon could provide more options for people on low incomes in a town notorious for its escalating property prices.

The £1.4m development was officially opened last week and several families have already moved in.

Six flats and 10 houses at Bailey's Barn have been developed by Westlea Housing Association in partnership with West Wiltshire District Council.

Graham Hogg, housing strategy and partnership manager for West Wiltshire District Council said: "We are especially delighted to be opening this scheme in Bradford where house prices are especially high for the district and such limited numbers of affordable homes are available to people in need of housing."

Around half of the funding for the development came from the district council in the form of a Local Authority Social Housing Grant.

The Government has announced new guidelines that 30 per cent of new housing developments must be designated as sites for affordable housing in the future, which will include the Kingston Mill development in the heart of Bradford.

Bradford town councillor Janet Repton said: "At long last the Government is realising that they have a real problem facing them over how to provide enough affordable housing.

"One of the problems in Bradford is any cheaper housing that there is tends to be snapped up very quickly but that is market forces.

"It is a national problem and the more attractive a town, the more difficult it is to get affordable homes.

"I am very pleased we have these new homes at Bailey's Barn but I am horrified about the future prospects of how to find somewhere affordable to live for people in the future."

The new homes at Bailey's Barn have already been snapped up.

The houses have timber frames so that in-house

architects for Westlea could minimise waste and be sure

the buildings could be put together on site quickly.

Darren Harold has moved into one of the maisonette apartments in the development.

He said: "I am really pleased with my new home."

Although property prices in Bradford are not as high as in nearby Bath, it is still one of the most expensive places to live in west Wiltshire.

Pauline Rod, of Bradford estate agents Geoffrey M Saxty, said: "Most local people do want to stay here but the prices in Bradford mean it is not really an area for first-time buyers.

"There is not a lot in their price bracket and most properties cost at least £100,000."