AFFORDABLE housing in the town has been at a low over the last two years.

The law states that in all new housing developments, 25 per cent of all dwellings built must be affordable. 

In Bracknell Forest over the last two years, the amount of affordable homes has been significantly less than this. 

Cllr Chris Turrell stated: “I can confirm that there have been 36 affordable rented units completed over the past two years with 15 of these being apartments and 21 houses. A further 51 shared ownership homes were delivered in this time period.

“There are a number of reasons why not all sites provide the policy target of 25 per cent of affordable homes. The policy only applies to sites providing a net increase of 15 new homes or more, or sites which exceed one hectare. On some sites there are viability issues which mean the development cannot provide the full amount of affordable housing.

“Of those sites specifically identified in the local plan, but not yet with planning permission, it is estimated that just under 600 affordable rented units would be delivered on these sites.”

The conservative councillor also said: “Housing completions in Bracknell Forest for the year to 31 March 2017 were 437, the highest figure since 2008/09. At 30 June, another 1102 homes were under construction. 

“The 2018 completions figure will be significantly higher.”