TWENTY unemployed youngsters could get the chance to build homes that ten of them will move in to.

Councillors will decide this week whether to back the innovative project — the first in the county — to the tune of £324,000.

The self-build pilot scheme has already secured a £324,000 grant from Oxfordshire Public Services Board and has made a funding bid for £520,000 to the Homes and Community Agency to help pay for the £1.3m initiative.

If Cherwell District Council’s executive gives the cash the green light, the scheme will be open to young people aged 18 to 25, not in work, education or training.

Each person will help build ten maisonette style one-bed homes at a former allotment site behind Miller Road, Banbury, and at the end of the project up to ten will get a new home and a construction qualification.

A joint initiative between Cherwell, Southwark Habitat for Humanity, and Sanctuary Housing, the scheme is designed to tackle the shortage of affordable housing in Ruscote, and encourage young people to get a qualification.

District councillor Keith Strangwood said the scheme was also about changing people’s perception of youngsters.

He said: “Most people’s perception of young people is they are hoodlums and layabouts, but it’s a perception we want to get rid of.

“These young people are conscientious and want to work — and they could come out at the end of it with a home.

“If these people don’t turn up for work they are not going to get a home or a diploma.

“This is a pilot project and has only ever been done in London and inner cities.”

An open day was held last Saturday to show plans to residents.

Mr Strangwood added: “Obviously people were a bit concerned about how it would affect their gardens and views.

“But we explained to them the basis of the project was taking 20 young people who will be going through training at Banbury college and they would be local people.

“One of the reasons I’m involved is so I can see problems before they start.”

Michael Gibbard, Cherwell’s executive member for planning and housing, said: “This is an important and innovative housing scheme that combines training, housing, personal development and potential employment for a number of young people.”

The scheme has been welcomed by charity Banbury Young Homeless Project.

Company secretary Pam Linzey-Jones said: “We think it’s a brilliant idea.

“It’s a two-pronged attack that gives homes to young people and skills to help them work. What could be better.”

The young people would be expected to study construction skills and be up early to work at the site.

Plans are being drawn up and if approved, work could start in November, with the entire project expected to take 14 months.

Southwark Habitat for Humanity, which has just finished a similar project in Peckham, London, was unavailable for comment.