Telford & Wrekin Council to deliver major housing programme
Telford & Wrekin Council is planning to build on its drive to generate more income by delivering a major housing programme at a number of sites across the borough.
The council says has identified a significant commercial opportunity which will see it develop new homes for the private rental market with work likely to start by 2014.
The scheme would see the Council build over 550 new homes on land it owns in the next three years.
The majority of the new homes would be in and around the £250 million Southwater development, helping to make the area more vibrant with homes, offices as well as the major leisure facilities that are being created including bars, restaurants, an 11 screen cinema, exciting public space and links to Telford Town Park all which will increase footfall in this area.
As well as providing the Council with valuable new income, the construction of these houses and apartments would provide a further shot in the arm for the borough’s regeneration, while supporting local economy and construction industry and suppliers, creating new jobs and investment.
A detailed feasibility study must first be completed before building could start, which is expected to begin in 2014 and be completed in 2016.
As well as rental income from the homes and apartments, the scheme would also earn the Council extra New Homes Bonus from government.
The Council expects that the scheme would earn considerable income from the outset with this rising over the term of the investment. The homes will become a valuable asset for the Council.
As well as Southwater, sites for new homes have already been identified in Malinslee, Woodside, and Hollinswood. Other locations in the borough will also be considered through the feasibility study, which is the first phase of the Council’s Housing Investment Programme.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, said: “This is about the council using land that it owns to construct houses and apartments to take advantage of a commercial opportunity to generate more revenue.
“This is a very exciting project but is still in the planning stages and until the full assessment is carried out, sites will not be fully finalised.
“However, this very much fits with our position as a business supporting and winning council and we anticipate being at a stage where work can start in spring next year, subject to the necessary planning consents and funding criteria.”
Councillor Bill McClements, cabinet member for Resources and Service Delivery, said: “We are determined to reduce the council’s reliance on government money by maximising every commercial opportunity that we can take advantage of and that is a perfect example of how we can do that. At the same time we are further supporting the physical, social and economic regeneration of the borough.”
