A PLAN to build 1,000 affordable homes has moved a step forward.

The £106 million joint venture between Brighton and Hove City Council and Hyde Housing has moved a step closer after councillors agreed to move forward with the scheme.

Councillors voted last night to allow council officers to begin negotiating a deal with the house builder which could bring at least 1,000 affordable homes to the city.

Under a Conservative amendment it has now been confirmed that no council housing revenue account sites will be transferred into the joint venture and that council land mooted for the scheme will first be publicised to attract other potential bidders.

Green amendments have also secured a reduction in proposed rents as well as an agreement that additional profits will be spent on delivering emergency accommodation for the homeless.

Council leader, councillor Warren Morgan, said: “This major project is probably the biggest project the council has taken on for a generation.

“If we can do this, that’s more than 1,000 people we are helping.”

The news comes after The Argus revealed just a quarter of the number of affordable homes targeted will be constructed in the current financial year.

Conservative councillor Tony Janio said: “We are trying to get the best deal for residents in the long term, the amendments we have suggested is to make the system more robust.

“If there is a wobble in the housing market or if that might happen in the future, they will thank us for pointing that out.”

Tom Shaw, Hyde Development Director, said: “We are delighted that after nearly a year of detailed discussions the joint venture has been approved with unanimous cross party support.

“This innovative project will make living and owning a decent home a reality for hundreds of Brighton and Hove residents earning the national living wage. The hard work of delivering the Joint Venture begins now.”