A low-cost housing project was launched on Tuesday to try to prevent young people and families being forced to leave the communities where they grew up because they cannot afford a home.

A low-cost housing project was launched on Tuesday to try to prevent young people and families being forced to leave the communities where they grew up because they cannot afford a home.

The initiative, by South Norfolk Council, aims to provide low rent, affordable homes in as many small parishes as possible with Saffron Housing Trust - the authority's lead partner.

Parish councils across the district are being urged to back the initiative and were invited to send delegates to the launch at the district council's offices in Long Stratton, to discuss how they can help deliver the new homes.

“One of our manifesto priority commitments was to deliver more low cost housing for local people. We are doing this, and they will be mainly funded by 'Right to Buy' money,” said Derek Blake, South Norfolk's cabinet member for planning, housing and the built environment.

“This year, we have already delivered more affordable homes across south Norfolk than ever, and we aim for continuous improvement. We have produced a series of leaflets about our new project and these are available on our website.”

Adam Ronaldson, the trust's chief executive, added: “The project fits with our continuing focus of work in the communities of south Norfolk. To provide housing for local people is a key task that helps to build stronger communities throughout the area.”

The initiative will provide homes in as many of the smaller parishes as possible, initially concentrating on villages where there are adequate facilities to make it a vibrant place to live. The number built is likely to be between two and eight, but it could be more, depending on an assessment of need.

Homes built under the project will be prioritised for local people in the parish, or those with strong local connections, and any that are not let would be available to people from adjacent parishes.

The properties will be advertised through the Home Options Scheme. Saffron will develop, own and manage the homes, with rents set at a level agreed with the national Housing Corporation.