Building has officially begun in Hainault for 10 new affordable homes.

The properties on Kielder Close will provide 10 two-bedroom council homes for rent and are expected to be completed by March 2020.

Redbridge Council is funding the whole project as part of its pledge to build 1,000 more affordable homes across the borough by 2022.

Aspen Build is the company contracted to deliver the project and students from the nearby Forest Academy attended the scheme’s launch event yesterday.

Students discussed the opportunities available to young people, particularly women, in the construction industry, as well as safety concerns.

The homes will be energy efficient and are being built on a brownfield site, one of a number of similar sites the council is developing permanent housing on.

Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “I am proud that our administration is building the first council houses for a generation in Redbridge. London is in the grip of a housing crisis and in Redbridge alone we currently have just under 5,500 people waiting for a home. This development will provide a fresh new start for 10 local families.”

Cllr Farah Hussain, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “We know the difference that a permanent, decent and affordable place to live can make to a family. This project is just one example of our proactive approach to building genuinely affordable family homes for local people on our waiting list.

“Turning under-used brownfield spaces like this into homes helps us to tackle London’s housing crisis at a local level. We are confident that Aspen Build will deliver another excellent scheme and the new residents and neighbours will be very happy.”