SWINDON Council is to sell land worth £275,000 for affordable housing.

The 0.4-hectare site off Hunsdon Close, Walcot, is expected to be turned in to 10 two-bedroom bungalows for rent as affordable housing for the elderly.

Cabinet member for housing, Coun David Renard, made the decision to sell the site under delegated powers.

The land is worth £275,000 but could be sold for less than £225,000 to cover the cost of demolishing 10 empty garages on the site and to make it more viable for affordable housing.

According to the council report, the sale of the land will attract investment of £400,000 for affordable housing and another £989,000 of loans through the housing association.

"This development will assist Swindon Council meeting the target of 300 affordable homes per annum," the report says. "Westlea Housing Association is interested in developing the site to provide 10 two-bedroom bungalows with parking for rent. The provision of affordable homes not only provides those in serious housing need, often homeless, with good quality accommodation, but also allows households a settled way of life to assist, for example, with employment prospects, educational and training opportunities and improving health.

"As the proposed property type is bungalows, it is likely that local older people who are under-occupying family housing will be prioritised, therefore freeing up larger rented accommodation."

The report said ward councillor Mavis Childs (Labour, Walcot) was consulted about the plan and supported it.