A NEW agreement which sets out plans to build 500 new homes in Barnet has been signed.

Barnet Homes signed a ten year management agreement with Barnet Council which also details proposals to support residents on benefits.

This follows the creation of The Barnet Group three years ago, which hopes to register its new company - Opendoor Homes - as a housing provider.

It is hoped this will help increase affordable homes in the borough.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, leader of Barnet Council, said: “The new management agreement allows it to build on its successful track record of improving the services it offers to residents as well as enabling it to increase the amount of affordable housing being built in the borough.”