HOMELESS families will soon see relief as the first mini houses in a £2million cul-de-sac have been unveiled today.

The development at Lowfield Close in Caversham will see 28 homes created for people who would otherwise be placed in temporary accommodation.

Councillor John Ennis, lead member for Housing, said: “This development will reduce the number of families requiring emergency accommodation being placed in bed and breakfasts and provide them with a comfortable and well-equipped temporary home.

“Not only will this be much better for the families involved, it will also save the Council money in the long run.”

The innovative Lowfield Road scheme is one of a number of projects the council is implementing to tackle the housing crisis in Reading.

Other schemes include the construction of 57 permanent Council homes in Conwy Close, Tilehurst, the creation of a wholly-owned housing company called Homes for Reading and close working with private landlords through initiatives such as the Rent Guarantee Scheme.

In July, the council also agreed a £20m house building programme, which will deliver up to 100 new affordable homes.

The first residents are expected to be on site by January and the new development will have a children’s play area, a car park and a bicycle shed.

The properties are costing the council just a fraction of other homes in the same road. Three-bedroom semi-detached homes in the are have sold for around £330,000, whereas the modular houses are costing just £71,400 each.