INVESTMENT of £84million has helped Weston’s Knightstone Housing surpass its targets for building new affordable homes by more than 10 per cent.

The housing association, now operating out of its new consolidated headquarters near junction 21 of the M5, has built nearly 1,000 affordable properties since 2011, well in excess of its original target of 878

Mike Day, Knightstone’s director of development, said: “We’re very proud to have broken our target to deliver more quality affordable homes at a time when there is a desperate shortage.

“We’re working hard with local authorities and our partners to maximise housing delivery and provide a range of homes to meet local needs.

“The work isn’t done though and we’re committed to building more homes across our heartland. Given the expectations of more house price increases in the next few years it’s essential that many more affordable homes are built in the region.

“Only by ensuring there is a range of housing options available to people at prices they can afford will the local economy remain competitive.”