A SCHEME to help residents ‘struggling’ to find affordable homes has been unveiled by Trafford council.

The authority plans to tackle the borough’s housing shortage by offering various housing types, urging developers to complete new schemes and by reducing homelessness.

The proposals form part of the authority’s five year housing strategy to meet the current and future housing need in the borough.

A report outlining the plans states that to meet demand 23,100 new homes are required by 2035.

This means 1,555 homes per year would need to be built, however,  recent  figures show just  400 have been constructed each year for the last nine years.

More than 12,000 homes have been approved but are currently in the ‘planning pipeline’.

“In response to this, we are taking a proactive approach to monitoring build rates, identifying stalled sites and working proactively with developers to remove barriers and get development back on track,” the report reads.

“We intend to increase the supply of affordable homes of the right size and type to meet the shortfall as well as provide for future needs.

“The relative proportions of affordable homes required to balance up the housing market in different places will be assessed and planned for.”

The report highlights the council should also explore ways to accommodate older residents – at a time when the elderly population is increasing.

Coun Kevin Procter, portfolio holder for communities and housing, said: “For many people finding accommodation in Trafford is a struggle.

“We know our borough is a desirable place to live – and the council is committed to helping to provide homes that are high quality and affordable.

“Achieving our goal of having a strong economy that works for all our residents depends on our ability to create great places and neighbourhoods where people want to live, learn, work, invest and relax.

“This housing strategy will help us to do that.”