A HOUSING group has pledged its commitment to providing more desperately-needed affordable homes in Keighley.

Top-level assurances have been given as the keys were handed over to tenants of 11 new properties on a £4.3 million scheme in the town.

Manningham Housing Association already owns and manages over 220 homes in the Keighley area.

And as part of its latest development, at Odette's Point, in Shann Lane, another nine properties are now nearing completion and will be occupied later this year.

Once finished, the scheme will consist of 14 three-bed and six four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent.

The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Avant Homes, with support from Homes England and Bradford Council.

Lee Bloomfield, Manningham Housing Association chief executive, says the new homes have been designed to meet the needs of the organisation's diverse spectrum of tenants.

He told us: "There is a particular requirement for larger family properties in Keighley, and in Bradford, which many housing associations are unable to address.

"Rising to this challenge is central to our ongoing development plans, together with an absolute commitment to sustainability through environmentally-friendly design which reduces our carbon footprint.

"A number of the new properties benefit from integral solar panels, highlighting our environmental responsibility and foresight to create homes that are adaptable to future needs."

He adds: "The development underscores our deep resolve to support communities in Keighley.

"Manningham Housing Association currently owns and manages 223 homes in the area. The new scheme forms part of an established local community with a robust identity and reliable communal services, ensuring a high quality of life for residents.

"The proximity to our existing housing stock and the high demand for homes in the area contribute to the long-term viability of the project for current and future generations.

"We are proud of what we're doing in Keighley and look forward to providing many more high-quality affordable homes in the town and surrounding areas in the years to come."

Mr Bloomfield visited Odette's Point with association board members and staff.

Amongst those present was Tracie Naylor, the association’s regeneration manager.

She said: "We are dedicated to ensuring that every individual and family we serve feels valued and supported.

"These new properties represent another major step forward in achieving that goal.

"The development not only expands our housing stock, but reaffirms our dedication to being the landlord of choice, providing secure and comfortable homes for local communities at an affordable cost."