MORE THAN a third of houses of an under-construction housing development in Thornbury are set to be “affordable” thanks to a new multi-million pound deal.

The deal that has been struck by housing authority Merlin and developers Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, will see 44 of the 127 homes being built in the first phase of the Park Farm development become available for rent and shared ownership.

The homes, which are due to be completed by summer next year, will be a mixture of one and two bedroom flats and two, three and four bedroom houses.

Merlin development manager Laura White said: “We are always looking for new opportunities to build more affordable homes. We’re pleased to be working with Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes to provide these great new homes.

“We already own more than 500 properties in the town so this was a perfect opportunity to increase our profile in the area.

“There’s an acute shortage of affordable housing in the area, and house prices are now nearly nine times higher than average earnings.

“These homes will go some way to meeting this demand and as they are in such a great location, are sure to be popular.”