COUNCIL-owned land in Leominster which has been transferred to a social housing provider could be developed to provide homes for veterans.

Stonewater, in collaboration with military charities, has been in contact with a number of veterans interested in being involved in an affordable self-build housing scheme.

Herefordshire Council says there is anecdotal evidence from the Military Charities Helpdesk, which is operated from Franklin House by the Royal British Legion (RBL) and the Soldiers, Sailors and Airman Association (SSAFA), which indicates that homelessness amongst ex-service personnel continues to be a 'problem' in the county.

The council is a signatory of the Herefordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant and co-ordinates a cross sector Civilian Military Task Group (CMTG), whose role is to deliver the aims of the covenant.

To address the needs of the armed forces community in the county, the CMTG has developed an action plan, with housing for ex-service personnel considered is a priority.

In a report, Herefordshire Council said: "Following the example of a number of successful projects across the country, involving the Community Self Build Association (CSBA), officers have met with CSBA, local registered social landlords (RSL’s) and military charities with a view to developing and delivering a veterans self-build project in Herefordshire.

"A project of this kind not only provides much needed housing but enables veterans to learn useful construction skills, which in turn could lead to employment."

Stonewater was the only one of the council's preferred housing partners which expressed an interest in progressing the scheme and identified land adjacent to Waterworks Lane in Leominster for regeneration.

The council agreed to re-allocate the land at no cost, on condition that Stonewater provides a self-build affordable housing scheme for veterans delivering a minimum of 10 units of housing.

The report added: "This project will provide a real opportunity to assist ex-service personnel to integrate into

the local community. It will also develop a currently derelict brown field site, which will have a positive impact on the look of the local area and enable veterans to learn new employable skills.

"The project will positively contribute to the council’s corporate plan objectives as it will enable residents to live safe, healthy independent lives and increase the number of affordable housing units delivered."