Construction is underway in Leeds as part of the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), which aims to expand affordable housing and promote sustainable living. The program will transform brownfield sites into residential hubs, with 88 new homes being built in Seacroft and Gipton, and is set to be completed by the end of 2025.
What is the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) in Leeds about?
The Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) in Leeds focuses on expanding affordable housing by constructing new homes on brownfield sites. The program aims to alleviate housing pressures, promote sustainable living with features like air source heat pumps, and enhance community well-being through inclusive and energy-efficient designs. It reflects Leeds’s commitment to a net-zero future and inclusive growth.
Introduction to the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP)
The City of Leeds is witnessing a significant new phase in its commitment to housing development through the launch of construction on several brownfield sites, marking a milestone for the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP). Designed to address the city’s housing needs, the CHGP is a testament to Leeds’s dedication to expanding its affordable housing stock.
Brownfield Sites Transform into Residential Hubs
A total of 88 new homes are set to emerge as part of the recent development efforts, with construction concentrated in Seacroft and the Ambertons area of Gipton. These developments represent a strategic utilization of previously developed, but now unused, land—a concept known as ‘brownfield’ in planning terms. The regeneration of such sites is instrumental for cities like Leeds, aiming to repurpose urban spaces for new housing opportunities.
Diverse Housing Options in Seacroft and Gipton
The project in Seacroft will see the construction of 25 one-bedroom apartments and eight houses, which will include both two and three-bedroom configurations. These dwellings are taking form on the corner of Brooklands Avenue and Seacroft Crescent. Concurrently, in Gipton, an array of 55 properties will come to life along Amberton Terrace, Amberton Crescent, Amberton Street, and Montagu Avenue, featuring a mix of two to four-bedroom houses and one-bedroom bungalows.
On Site Progress and Scheduled Completion
Following preparatory works that took place in the latter part of the previous year, the scheme has now fully transitioned into an active construction phase. The current timeline suggests that these homes will welcome residents before the end of 2025. This swift progression is a clear signal of the council’s capability to deliver on its housing promises efficiently.
The Council’s Vision for Housing and Sustainability
The ongoing projects in Leeds are more than mere construction sites; they symbolize the city’s broader vision for sustainable development and community enrichment. These new homes are to be sculpted into models of energy efficiency, aligning with the council’s goals for a net-zero future.
Embracing Energy Efficient Living
In a notable stride toward sustainability, these properties will integrate air source heat pumps, a renewable energy solution, eschewing traditional gas boilers. This approach not only enhances the ecological footprint of these homes but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable living solutions.
Accessibility and Forward-Thinking Design
Accessibility is a cornerstone of the new homes’ design principles, ensuring that they are level access and capable of accommodating mobility-friendly features such as through-floor lifts. These considerations are vital in fostering inclusive communities that cater to residents’ diverse needs.
Financial Framework and Partnerships
Most of the funding for these homes is being provided by Leeds City Council, with additional financial support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Such collaborative funding efforts are instrumental in propelling the city’s housing initiatives forward.
Reflecting on the Programme’s Impact
Leeds’s CHGP is not just an isolated initiative but part of a larger narrative of community advancement and housing availability. Its impact resonates through various aspects of city life, from the local economy to individual well-being.
Proliferation of Affordable Housing
The construction of more than 300 new homes through the CHGP since 2018, alongside the acquisition of around 270 homes, has significantly alleviated local affordable housing pressures. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that residents of Leeds have access to housing that is both quality-centric and financially accessible.
Community Benefits and Downsizing Opportunities
The increase in suitable properties has also provided an impetus for tenants looking to downsize, thereby freeing up larger homes for families in need. This aspect of the programme underscores the council’s understanding of the multifaceted nature of housing requirements within the community.
A Look at Future Developments
Recent statistics reveal that close to 1,600 affordable homes are in various stages of construction or planning across Leeds, thanks to the CHGP and other related schemes. These figures paint an optimistic picture of the city’s housing future, emphasizing ongoing and future contributions to the overall housing landscape.
Statements from Council and Partner Representatives
Several key figures have voiced their insights and aspirations for the housing developments in Leeds, highlighting the collaborative spirit and societal benefits of these projects.
Council Leadership’s Perspective
Councillor James Lewis, the leader of the council, commented on the significance of the construction, stating, “We want Leeds to be a national standard-bearer for regeneration and inclusive growth, with thriving communities that offer opportunities for all and a real sense of belonging.” This vision places housing at the forefront of the city’s growth and communal aspirations.
Councillor Jess Lennox, the council’s executive member for housing, added, “The work now under way in Seacroft and Gipton is a fine example of the impressive results being achieved by our Council Housing Growth Programme.” These remarks emphasize the tangible progress the programme is making in enhancing the city’s residential offerings.
Partnerships Enabling Progress
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, expressed her delight in the collaboration, stating, “Together with partners like Leeds City Council, we’re committed to building the thousands of new homes our region needs to deliver a greener, more vibrant future for all.” Her comments underscore the collaborative dynamic essential to the success of such ventures.
David Wingfield, Wates’ regional director for Yorkshire & North East – Construction, highlighted the partnership’s positive impact beyond the homes themselves, “Our approach to construction centres on supporting the entirety of Leeds in the long term – keeping spend local, creating new jobs and opportunities and investing into vital community initiatives.” This reflects the comprehensive approach taken by Wates Construction and the benefits it brings to the local community.
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- The Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) in Leeds aims to expand affordable housing and promote sustainable living.
- Construction is underway on brownfield sites in Seacroft and Gipton, with 88 new homes being built.
- The project includes a mix of one-bedroom apartments, houses, bungalows, and two to four-bedroom houses.
- The homes will incorporate energy-efficient features like air source heat pumps.
- The CHGP in Leeds is part of a broader vision for sustainable development and community enrichment.