Over 50 low-cost and affordable homes will be introduced in part of a social rent programme.

The Watford social rent programme is a joint effort between Watford Community Housing (WCH) and the council to provide low-cost and modern housing, typically around half the cost of renting an equivalent property on the private market.

The first site to be complete is a Lutreola Close development located by the River Colne, which includes three large three bedroom family homes, with five off-street parking spaces, private gardens and auto-mist sprinkler systems for added fire safety.

Eventually, the programme is expected to bring a total of 56 homes for social rent across Watford.

In addition to £180,000 in government grant funding from Homes England, the council and WCH each contributed over £130,000 to the development.

Mayor Peter Taylor met with WCH chief executive, Tina Barnard, to celebrate the competition of Lutreola Close.

Speaking at the event, the chief executive said: “We’re delighted to unveil the first of our affordable family homes as part of the Watford Social Rent Programme with Watford Borough Council.

“These are spacious, modern houses that offer an excellent standard of living at a sub-market rate. Watford Community Housing is wholly committed to working in partnership with the council to deliver these much-needed homes and I look forward to more of the same as the development programme progresses.”

The Mayor said: “When I was elected, I made a promise to deliver more homes for social and affordable rent for local families. We’ve been working in partnership with Watford Community Housing Trust to develop this programme which is creating affordable homes for local families to live in.

“By supporting low-cost homes in Watford, we can make sure there are opportunities for everyone in our town.”