Work Poised to Start on Council-Backed Housing Scheme in Leeds

affordable housing sustainability

Exciting news from Leeds City Council and 54North Homes! 🏡 Work is about to start on a new housing scheme in Armley, providing affordable and sustainable living solutions. The project on Wesley Road will feature 28 new homes, with 22 for social rent and 6 for shared ownership. With a focus on sustainability and community benefit, this development is set to transform unused land into vibrant neighborhoods. Stay tuned for more updates! 🌿 #LeedsHousingScheme #AffordableLiving #CommunityRevitalization 🏗️🏠

Affordable Housing Development in Armley

Leeds City Council, in association with 54North Homes, has announced the commencement of a new housing scheme designed to provide affordable and sustainable living solutions in the Armley area of Leeds. This forward-thinking project, situated on Wesley Road, is utilizing a once derelict brownfield site to construct 28 new homes. The development, backed by a £5.1m investment, is set to include 26 houses and two apartments, 22 of which will be designated for social rent and the remaining six for shared ownership.

Emphasis on Sustainability

In a bid to address environmental concerns and future-proof the housing development, 54North Homes is integrating air source heat pumps into each property to provide heating and hot water. The thoughtfully planned scheme is expected to incorporate the existing mature trees, promoting green living. Furthermore, each home is designed to feature individual gardens and open landscaped areas, contributing to the health and well-being of the community.

Collaboration and Community Benefit

Leeds City Council is contributing up to £700,000 towards the scheme through its commuted sums funding stream. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to the revitalization of unused land within established residential districts, creating vibrant neighborhoods. Moreover, the council ensures that the newly built homes address the pressing need for affordable housing, with initial tenancies prioritized for individuals on the council’s housing register.

Architectural and Partnership Synergy

The homes, designed by Brewster Bye Architects, are a testament to the synergy between innovative architectural design and functional living spaces. Ashfield Projects (Yorkshire) Ltd has been named the building contractor, with BWA overseeing as the employers’ agent, ensuring that the development not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Growth and Affordable Homes Program

54North Homes, through its ambitious growth agenda, aims to construct approximately 250 new homes over the next three years. Developments such as the £12m scheme on Railway Street and the 40 homes within the Kirkstall Place development are crucial in tackling Leeds’ acute housing shortage. The Wesley Road project is particularly noteworthy as it marks 54North Homes’ first foray into installing air source heat pumps, aligning with their sustainability agenda.

Energy Efficiency and Adaptation

The strategic partnership with Homes England, facilitated through the Karbon Homes Group, has been instrumental in funding developments like Wesley Road. With a substantial £165m fund, Karbon is set to deliver 2,200 affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire, a significant contribution to the region’s housing needs. 54North Homes is also taking strides to retrofit existing properties to enhance energy efficiency, ensuring they are economical for residents to maintain.

A Boost to Local Housing

Leeds City Council’s sustained efforts in housing development have resulted in an average of 550 affordable homes per year, with projections set to increase to around 750 annually over the next three years. Each home, including those at Wesley Road, symbolizes a new beginning and a sense of security for its inhabitants. The scheme’s future success will not only depend on the quality of construction but also on how it integrates into and enhances the fabric of the community.

For further details, media inquiries can be directed to the Leeds City Council communications and marketing team via email at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of homes will the new housing scheme in Armley feature, and how are they allocated?

The upcoming Wesley Road project in Armley will feature 28 new homes, comprising 26 houses and two apartments. Out of these, 22 are slated for social rent, while six will be available for shared ownership. Individuals on the council’s housing register will be given priority for initial tenancies, ensuring that the homes will address the pressing need for affordable housing in the area.

How is sustainability being addressed in the new Leeds housing development?

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the new housing scheme in Leeds. Each property will be equipped with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water, emphasizing environmental consciousness and energy efficiency. The development will also preserve existing mature trees and include individual gardens along with open landscaped areas, promoting green living and contributing to the health and well-being of the community.

How does the collaboration between Leeds City Council and developers aim to benefit the local community?

Leeds City Council’s partnership in the housing development on Wesley Road is set to revitalize a formerly unused brownfield site into a vibrant neighborhood. The council’s injection of up to £700,000 through its commuted sums funding stream reflects its commitment to community benefit. This initiative is part of a broader movement to create affordable housing, enhance the local housing stock, and integrate new developments seamlessly into established residential districts, thus fostering a sense of security and community.