A NEW development of affordable eco homes has been opened up to residents of Springbourne and East Cliff, Littledown and Iford and West Southbourne.

The 11 Gladstone Mews homes were initially released just to Boscombe residents and, of the 16 applications that were made, 11 are currently being considered.

However, proving a local connection is just the initial step of the process as applicants will also have to have their financial eligibility reviewed and secure a mortgage for their share of the property.

As it is not guaranteed that all these applications will progress, the development is being opened up to people with a local connection in the neighbouring wards.

The homes are offered on a shared ownership basis and so, although their open market value ranges from £180,000 to £235,000, prospective residents will only need to raise a deposit and mortgage for 65 per cent of the sale price – between £117,000 and £152,750.

They will then pay rent of between £100.80 and £134.40 on the remaining 35 per cent.

Cllr Robert Lawton, Bourne-mouth’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Bournemouth has a real lack of affordable housing and, although we would like a lot more, every little helps.

“I would encourage people to go and take a look at this development because it represents an opportunity for people to get on the housing ladder in an area that is benefiting from extensive regeneration.”

For more information visit bournemouth2026.org.uk.