CONSTRUCTION is complete on five new properties in Fareham, marking the start of a new programme to provide more Council homes.

The two three-bedroom properties at Oak Tree Park, Park Gate, are being provided at "the most affordable" Social Rent with the remaining two-bedroom homes being provided at an Affordable Rent.

All occupants will be from the Council’s housing waiting list.

The first tenants are expected to move in next month.

There were some delays to the final finish of the scheme due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Member for Housing at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Fred Birkett, said: “There is a growing need for affordable housing in Fareham, which is why delivering these homes was one of our key priorities for 2020.

"While the pandemic did cause some challenges, everyone involved worked hard to ensure the delay was kept to a minimum and it’s fantastic to see the project now complete.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the first families move in next month; these new homes will change the lives for some Fareham residents.”

The council has claimed that this will be the first of many new affordable housing projects in Fareham.

Last year construction began on eighteen new one and two-bedroom apartments for Social Rent on the former Hampshire Rose site in Fareham. This project is now expected to be complete in early 2021.