NOT A single affordable home was built in the area during the last financial year, the council’s new Housebuilding Programme reveals.

In a document outlining its house building policy up until 2022, Epping Forest District Council detailed a marked decline in the building of homes costing 80 per cent or less of the market rate since 2014.

Typically built by private developers as part of larger schemes approved by the council, 69 affordable homes were completed in 2014/15, 40 in 2015/16 and none in 2016/17.

Steven Neville, a Green Party District Councillor, suggested the system of building properties with controlled rent had serious flaws.

He said: “There isn't enough affordable housing at the moment and the affordable housing that is being built isn't affordable.

“That is why a lot of young families are moving out of the area because they simply can't afford it.

“We need to reconsider what's meant by affordable housing.”

It appears however, that last year’s lack of building may have been a blip.

Planning permission has been granted for 370 homes and 148 are currently being built.

The 2017/18 financial year started well, with 23 new affordable rented homes unveiled by the council at Waltham Abbey.

Planning permission has also been granted for 166 council houses in the area.

But Cllr Neville believes Epping Forest needs more.

He added: “Because we have a limited number of social houses the council makes it more and more difficult to live there.

“They have extended the period you have to live in the area before you can move into social housing from five to seven years, which I objected to.

“The government needs to allow us to borrow money in order for us to build more council and social housing.”

Although it is unlikely the demand for cheap housing can ever be realistically met, the document does outline a proactive approach to building cheap homes and housing vulnerable and homeless people.

Councillor Syd Stavrou, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “The new Housing Strategy has a crucial role in ensuring that the varying housing needs of our residents are met.

“We want to work with our partners and residents to improve the quantity, quality and access to housing in Epping Forest, ensuring the district is a great place to live, work and do business.”

To view the Housebuilding Programme click here.