FOUR new state-of-the-art council houses the first to be built in Swindon for 11 years have been completed.

The houses, in Alanbrooke Crescent, just off Northern Road, are the first council properties to be built in the town since the Castleton Road development in Shaw, West Swindon, was completed in September 1990.

Over the last 11 years the council has pursued a policy of developing affordable housing in partnership with registered housing associations and consequently, although no council houses have been built, more than 1,500 housing association dwellings have been completed.

On this particular occasion, the council made an exception to build the Lifetime properties it claims will act as an example to developers.

The houses are designed with built-in flexibility to cater for a household's need throughout the whole of the occupant's lifetime.

A council spokeswoman said: "These Lifetime homes are an example to all housing developers how, with a little extra thought, homes can be adapted for the changing needs of residents."

The layout allows for opening up and partitioning of rooms if, say, a ground floor bedroom is required.

The structure allows for the installation of hoists with strengthened ceiling joists with easy transfer between bedroom and bathroom.

The 900mm door widths allow for wheelchair access throughout the property.

The properties have also been finished to high present day energy efficient standards including loft, floor and wall insulation, double glazing and an energy efficient heating and hot water system. The four houses were built by the council's direct labour force and attracted sponsorship from local building suppliers.

Coun Andy Albinson, lead member for housing, said: "It is important for the council to take an active role in demonstrating the tremendous benefits of better housing design with just a little more thought."

The scheme will be officially opened by Swindon's Mayor, David Cox, on Thursday at 1.30pm.

www.swindon.gov.uk