Two new large family homes have been completed by Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) as part of the Council's efforts to tackle the need for affordable housing.

RHP worked with Richmond council, which contributed to the development through its Capital Funding Agreement, as well as specialist residential property developer Bugler on the project.

The two houses are part of the around 900 new homes needing to be built every year until 2033 to meet local demand.

Cllr Jim Millard, Deputy Leader of the Council and Spokesperson for Housing, said: "These large family homes are a welcome addition to the growing completions of new affordable housing available to residents in our borough."

The first phase, built on a former RHP garage plot, was handed over in August 2022. It consists of a terrace of five houses, suitable for a diverse range of households.

The second phase, completed in July 2023, offers a pair of four-bed homes with a ramp providing versatile access. Each house includes allocated parking, along with additional car parking available on Bucklands Road itself.

Cllr Millard added: "I am proud that we have been working in partnership to transform under-utilised space into affordable homes that can cater to the needs of families and improve their quality of life.

"Working alongside RHP to deliver innovative developments such as this is vital to ensuring our residents can continue to enjoy living in the borough, even as their needs change."

RHP and the Council have ensured all the homes have been designed to meet modern space and environmental standards.

The Council said in a statement: "This means from the outset, high design standards were employed to ensure good quality housing for future residents."

The overall development consists of seven three- and four-bedroom properties to provide affordable accommodation for larger households developed on two former garage sites, the first site having completed last year.

The homes, near Teddington Lock, have been built in careful consideration of the Council's strategic flood risk assessment and include drainage systems to improve the buildings' flood resilience.

The delivery of these family homes is supported by Richmond Council's partnership with RHP, providing funding that allows the homes to be set at London Affordable Rent.

These homes form part of the portfolio of around 7,000 affordable rent and leasehold properties that RHP currently own and manage in Richmond upon Thames.

Sarah Thomas, CEO of RHP, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to provide these new homes to meet a diverse range of needs in our local community.

"We are particularly pleased that we have been able to provide much needed larger family homes as there is a lack of these in the area, as well as building in key accessibility features.

"I wish all our customers at Bucklands Road, including those about to move in, lots of happiness in their new homes."

This development is one of "several" affordable housing schemes that have been completed in the borough since 2021.

By supporting smaller 'infill' developments on existing housing association sites, the Council is working to increase the provision of affordable homes as outlined in the Richmond Upon Thames Housing Strategy.