Most of the housing made available through the council's "hidden homes" initiative will be let to people in the immediate neighbourhood.
The properties are being created from converting disused storerooms and laundries on housing estates. Wandsworth Council will give first preference to those within a one-mile radius in cases where potential tenants have equal priority.
Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Martin Johnson, said local people in need would now get a real chance of qualifying.
He said: "This change will be good for the estate and good for people in the area who will see first hand how the new homes are helping to strengthen their community."
However, Labour speaker on planning Councillor Sadiq Khan said priority should be given to those in greatest need. "At the moment it's key workers and those on the housing waiting list," he said.
January 31, 2003 13:00
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