A NEW housing development nearing completion will provide 36 one-bedroom apartments for first-time buyers in Southall.

Pocket, which started building in Western Road in January this year, will be launching sales next month.

They have not yet announced prices, but a spokesman for the developer said the apartments are to be sold at a 20 per cent discount to the open market.

They can only be sold to those who earn less than £71,000, the mayor’s income threshold for affordable housing, and those who already live or work in the area and do not own another property. They cannot be rented out.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, was invited to lay a brick at the topping out ceremony.

He said: “The housing crisis is impacting everyone across the capital but especially the young first time buyer.

“This scheme will help 36 local people take that first important step on the housing ladder.”

The 38 square metre flats, designed by architects John Thompson & Partners, have cycle parking and are said to be a seven-minute walk to Southall train station.

Marc Vlessing, CEO of Pocket, said: “We hope to be working with the council more in the coming years to bring more affordable homes to the borough.”