CIVIC chiefs have agreed to buy ten 'affordable' homes from a housing developer.

Winchester City Council’s cabinet approved the purchase of 10 homes in Twyford.

It is part of the council's initiative of proving 1,000 homes across the district over a ten-year period.

The scheme in Hazeley Road will be developed by Alfred Homes.

The council says the 10 homes will provide a mix of affordable rented and shared ownership homes which will be offered first to people who have local connections.

The homes are part of a 22-unit scheme which falls within the South Downs National Park (who are also the Local Planning Authority.) It is a site that is allocated for housing in the Twyford Neighbourhood Plan. Planning permission was granted on  October 10 with an expected completion in late 2026.

Cllr Chris Westwood, cabinet member for housing, said: "This is a really good example of how the city council is exploring different ways of ensuring delivery of new affordable council homes for local people across the district.

"I’m especially pleased to see these new homes in Twyford, where we know from speaking to local people that they would like their families to be able to remain living in the immediate area. I’d like to thank district and parish councillors for their support in getting us here. We’re confident the homes will be built to a high standard and will be energy efficient which will result in both reduced carbon emissions and save people money on running costs – these properties will make lovely homes and I look forward to people moving into them."