The new housing development at Hough Top in Leeds will create 82 eco-friendly and affordable council homes, helping to ease the city’s housing shortage and support community growth. Set to begin construction next month and part of the Council Housing Growth Programme, this initiative also promises job opportunities and a brighter future for local residents.
What is the impact of the new housing development at Hough Top in Leeds?
The new housing development at Hough Top in Leeds aims to ease the city’s housing shortage by providing 82 eco-friendly and affordable council homes. It’s part of the Council Housing Growth Programme, improving the housing ecosystem and offering employment opportunities. The development also supports community growth and sustainability.
Addressing the Housing Shortage
Leeds is on the cusp of a significant housing development that promises to mitigate the city’s housing crunch. Leeds City Council has triumphed in their quest for planning permission to transform the former school grounds at Hough Top into a beacon of residential stability. The site, nestled in Swinnow near Pudsey, is poised to embrace the construction of 82 eco-friendly and affordable council homes. The groundwork has been laid, and the primary construction phase is expected to commence next month.
“The increased provision of affordable housing has a central part to play,” said Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing. This development marks a pivotal step in the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), striving to revitalize communities across Leeds. Comprising 55 houses and 27 apartments with varying bedroom counts, these homes are not only designed for adaptability but also feature air source heat pumps, thus championing both sustainability and energy efficiency.
The local community’s economic fabric will also be strengthened through this scheme. Construction and property services pioneer, Willmott Dixon, is set to steer the development to fruition, simultaneously generating employment, nurturing skills, and fostering apprenticeship opportunities. A testament to this commitment is the 500-plus hours dedicated to youth career support during construction, including a full-time apprenticeship already awarded to a local school leaver.
Sustainable Development and Community Engagement
The 2.5-hectare site, which has awaited a new purpose since the former Hough Side High School’s demolition, is part of a strategic housing vision outlined in the Leeds Site Allocations Plan of 2019. Its location, amid an established residential area, promises residents access to public transport, green spaces, and local amenities. The importance of keeping the community informed is not lost on the council, evidenced by informative newsletters distributed to over 220 homes, illuminating the pre-construction activities at Hough Top.
Funding the scheme is a collaborative endeavor, primarily shouldered by the council’s housing service through Right to Buy receipts and borrowing. Additional financial reinforcement comes from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, contributing £1.64 million. “We are determined to ensure that everyone in Leeds is able to enjoy the stability and security that comes with a good-quality home,” Councillor Lennox further explained, underlining the council’s commitment to addressing Pudsey’s acute affordable housing demand.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, echoed this sentiment. “Having a safe and secure place to live is a fundamental right,” she stated, highlighting the regional commitment to delivering homes that pave the way for a greener, more secure future. The scheme is not just about brick and mortar; it’s about cultivating a foundation for inclusive growth and wellbeing that resonates throughout the community.
Recognition and Impact on Housing Ecosystem
The Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) has been a linchpin in the council’s strategy to alleviate housing pressures. Since 2018, over 350 new homes have sprung up from this initiative, with an additional 340 acquired. These properties not only serve to meet the needs of smaller households but also liberate larger homes for families in need of more space. The ripple effect? An enriched housing ecosystem catering to a diverse demographic.
The CHGP’s commitment to quality is not just locally acknowledged but has garnered regional and national accolades. The Tarnside & Mardale development in Seacroft along with the Throstle Rec and Gascoigne House scheme in Middleton both have clinched industry awards, further cementing the program’s reputation for excellence.
By the projected completion in late 2026, this development is poised to do more than just put roofs over heads. It’s set to forge a community that’s sustainable, affordable, and, most importantly, a place residents can proudly call their own. With a vision that extends beyond the present, Leeds is laying the groundwork for a housing landscape that future generations will inherit with gratitude.
For further information on the Council Housing Growth Programme and the housing developments in Leeds, please visit the Leeds City Council website or the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website.
- The new housing development at Hough Top in Leeds will create 82 eco-friendly and affordable council homes to help ease the city’s housing shortage.
- Construction is set to begin next month and is part of the Council Housing Growth Programme aimed at revitalizing communities.
- The development will feature a mix of 55 houses and 27 apartments equipped with sustainable amenities like air source heat pumps.
- Funding for the project includes contributions from the council’s housing service and £1.64 million from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.
- By late 2026, the initiative aims to foster a sustainable, inclusive community that enhances the local housing ecosystem.