Leeds has achieved a remarkable milestone by constructing 4,441 homes in 2023/24, marking its highest level of housebuilding since the early 1980s and exceeding its target by 35%. This impressive feat not only highlights Leeds’s commitment to addressing the national housing crisis with over 650 affordable homes but also sets a shining example for other cities across the UK.
What is Leeds’s recent housebuilding achievement and its significance?
Leeds achieved its highest level of housebuilding since the early 1980s, constructing 4,441 homes in 2023/24, which is 35% above their target. This success not only showcases Leeds’s capacity to meet housing demands but also emphasizes its commitment to affordable housing, with over 650 homes available for rent below market value or through shared ownership, addressing the national housing crisis effectively.
Housing Developments Surpass Expectations
Leeds recently celebrated a significant milestone in housing development, achieving its highest level of housebuilding since the early 1980s. In the year ending March, the city saw the construction of 4,441 homes, a striking 35% above the set local target. This surge not only reflects the city’s capability but also its dedication to addressing the housing needs of its residents.
Among these new homes, over 650 were deemed affordable, indicating they are available either for rent below market value or through shared ownership schemes. Affordable housing is a term that carries great weight, especially within a socioeconomic climate where many find the property ladder’s first rung out of reach. It’s noteworthy that nearly 40% of these affordable homes were directly delivered by Leeds City Council, showcasing a proactive stance against the pressing national housing crisis.
The past five years have been telling, with Leeds building more affordable homes than any other major city in the UK, aside from London. Importantly, many of these homes are allocated for social rent, exceeding the national average for the most cost-effective housing solutions. This commitment to affordability is critical in a market that often sidelines the economically vulnerable.
The Proactive Approach to Housing Challenges
Leeds City Council has not only contributed significantly to affordable housing but also demonstrated the power of collaboration. Partnerships with housing associations have been instrumental in forwarding multiple schemes, spotlighting the council’s dynamic approach to overcoming housing challenges. The affordable homes delivered have varied from family houses to wheelchair-accessible bungalows, catering to a diverse range of needs.
Recent affordable housing projects include a development in Middleton, featuring a substantial extra care facility named Gascoigne House, along with numerous family homes and bungalows. This year also marked the kickoff of a new project in Seacroft and the Ambertons, promising more council housing at affordable rents. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to provide not only a quantity of homes but also a quality of living.
Moreover, Leeds’s housing association partners have ambitious plans. Developments like the 152 homes at Calverley Lane and the 146 homes at Breary Lane signify only a portion of the over 1,000 affordable homes planned for the city center in the next half-decade. Thus, Leeds continues its trajectory as a standard-bearer for housing development.
Leadership Comments on Housing Accomplishments
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, expressed satisfaction with the city’s housing achievements. According to Councillor Lennox, the results are a testament to strong private sector investment and the fruitful collaboration of the council with housing associations and the third sector. Despite recognized challenges, she underscores the importance of maintaining momentum to meet ongoing demands.
Echoing the sentiment, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, highlighted the role of housing in the city’s economic growth. He emphasized that housing serves as critical infrastructure, integral to job creation and sector support. The council’s commitment to a locally-led growth strategy was further emphasized, with a significant emphasis on public consultation for the Leeds Local Plan and forthcoming housing growth up to 2040.
Andy Wallhead, chair of the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership, also recognized the achievements in housing development as a result of strong collaboration. The partnership’s focus on delivering quality homes aligns with the council’s objectives, setting a positive outlook for future housing projects.
Supplemental Data and Information
The 4,441 homes constructed in 2023/24 encompass a wide variety of housing types and developers, with the council playing a notable role. Affordability takes center stage, with distinctions made between ‘affordable’ and ‘social’ rents, the latter being significantly lower than market rates. This demonstrates a commitment to providing housing options accessible to a broader demographic.
To better understand the strategic framework guiding these developments, one can refer to the Leeds Local Plan. For a deeper dive into the collaborative efforts and the collective ambition of the region, the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership’s role is worth noting, especially given its extensive portfolio and regional focus.
In summary, Leeds’s housebuilding success story is not only a local triumph but also provides a blueprint for the rest of the country. With a clear direction and concerted efforts, the city is advancing towards meeting and potentially surpassing national housebuilding goals.
Notes to editors:
For further details on the Leeds Local Plan, click here.
The West Yorkshire Housing Partnership includes 15 members, owning or managing 180,000 homes, with Leeds City Council as a key participant.
ENDS
- Leeds constructed 4,441 homes in 2023/24, the highest level since the early 1980s and 35% above its target.
- The city delivered over 650 affordable homes, showcasing its commitment to addressing the national housing crisis.
- Leeds has built more affordable homes than any major city in the UK, excluding London, over the past five years.
- The Leeds City Council has collaborated with housing associations to develop a diverse range of affordable housing solutions, including family homes and wheelchair-accessible bungalows.
- Councillors emphasize the importance of housing as critical infrastructure to support the city’s economic growth and future development plans.