ONE hundred new affordable homes will be built in South Gloucestershire within the next three years.

Merlin Housing Association, which owns the district’s 8,000 social homes, has teamed up with another housing landlord for the project.

Somer Community Housing Trust, which rents out affordable properties in Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and Somerset, will advise on potential sites for the new homes and work with planners and contractors.

Merlin chairman Les Good said: ‘We know that there is a huge demand for affordable housing in the area and developing new homes for local people will help to alleviate this. We are already looking at two sites in the district for possible future development to provide new homes for local people.

"We are delighted to be able to draw upon the trust’s experience and know-how to help us deliver new, affordable homes in South Gloucestershire and I hope this is the start of a long and successful partnership."

John Bader, chairman of Somer Community Housing Trust, said: "Despite the credit crunch, affordable homes have never been off the agenda, and in this recession, it’s even more important that we can provide the homes that so many people desperately need."

Merlin took over South Gloucestershire Council’s housing stock in 2007 and has promised to modernise all its properties with new kitchens and bathrooms.

This partnership means both housing associations will be able to bid for Government money to build even more homes.

Anyone with views on where the new 100 homes should be built in South Gloucestershire is asked to call James Read, development officer, on 01225 366020.