TWO villages in Purbeck will receive funding to help build affordable housing projects.

The district council has agreed to provide Community Land Trusts in Corfe Castle and Langton Matravers with up to £50,000 each to help meet local housing needs.

Earlier in 2017, the council received a grant from the government of £910,456 from the Community Housing Fund to help address the effects of second homes in the district by kick-starting affordable housing projects.

Councillor Laura Miller, housing portfolio holder for Purbeck District Council, said: “Finding affordable housing that local people can afford is a real problem in the district, so this funding was very much welcomed.

“It enables local community groups to be directly involved in the planning and delivery of affordable housing which responds to local needs.

“We hope the funding of schemes such as these will give other communities the confidence to apply for funding to develop their own projects.”

The two villages are the first to apply for funding in the district.

Corfe Castle Community Land Trust is in negotiations with a landowner for a proposal to build ten to twelve homes for local people to rent.

The funding will be used to complete the formation of the Community Benefit Company, as well as support the business planning process for the company, complete the feasibility study for the proposed site, and seek planning approval.

The Langton Matravers Community Land Trust Limited became a Community Benefit Society in March 2017.

A small number of sites in Langton Matravers are under consideration for development of ten homes for rent for local people.

The grant will also be used to support the business planning process of the company, complete feasibility studies of possible sites, and seek planning approval.

The Wessex Community Land Trust Project is providing advice and support to both Land Trusts.

Anyone interested in forming a community group to explore delivering affordable housing in Purbeck is invited to contact Chris McDermott at Purbeck District Council on 01929 556561.