More than 300 much needed new homes have been announced for Newham with the launch of a lettings strategy as part of the Olympic Legacy.

Triathlon Homes, the owner of 1,379 affordable homes at East Village, the new legacy identity for the Olympic Village, has announced the Lettings Strategy for the 675 new social rented homes at the new 2,818 home development.

The strategy, agreed by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales, and Triathlon Homes, will mean Newham Council will be able to nominate for more than half of the social rented homes, 348, the largest amount ever delivered to the borough from one development, with a substantial number of three and four bed homes.

It is also aligned with Newham’s proposals to open up social rented housing to those in employment, increasing access to high quality affordable housing for those on lower incomes. For prospective residents who are not employed, the early allocation will facilitate routes to work, by way of skills audits, training and work access programmes, ensuring at least 50 per cent of new tenants will be employed at first let.

Through its allocation, Newham will also identify eligible members of the armed forces that can apply for housing in East Village.

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said: “Our pioneering approach to housing and community policy will reward those that make a contribution to society. We will recognise the efforts of those in work and reward those that have served their country by giving them priority for housing. This new development will ensure that Newham residents benefit from the provision of high quality social rented housing, and East Village will help to leave a lasting legacy after the Games of a strong and more resilient community.”

To ensure a balanced and sustainable community, many of the homes will be pre-allocated to potential residents shortly after the Olympics are finished, and up to a year in advance of moving in. This is at least six months earlier than usual and is an innovative element of the programme.