Plans for first new Council homes in 27 years
Hundreds of local people could benefit from a new generation of Council housing under plans for 300 Council homes across Telford and Wrekin, the first in 27 years.
Telford & Wrekin Council will present its proposals for the programme at Cabinet later in November.
Supported by a proposed £53.65 million investment package, including Government grant funding, the programme would see Telford & Wrekin Council directly deliver new social and affordable rented homes for the first time in 27 years.
The proposals, will build on the Council's longstanding commitment to housing, including supporting vulnerable residents, those facing homelessness and working with partners to increase the supply of specialist accommodation across the Borough.
The Council is already meeting gaps in the housing market through Nuplace, its housing company, which has delivered hundreds of high-quality homes for private rent. While this is helping increase housing choice and raise the quality of privately rented homes, these new proposals will focus specifically on social and affordable Council housing recognising that affordability remains a challenge for many local residents and families.
The new programme would increase the supply of social and affordable rented homes across the Borough from Telford & Wrekin Council, delivering a mix of property sizes and locations to meet the needs of individuals and families, while also providing specialist and supported accommodation where required. It would also explore innovative housing solutions and opportunities to bring forward new homes on suitable Council-owned land.
The new homes would be allocated through existing housing allocation arrangements, prioritising residents with the greatest housing need, including people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, care leavers, survivors of domestic abuse, veterans and those with medical or welfare needs.
The plans mark a significant milestone in the Borough's housing history. From the Council homes built at Urban Gardens in Wellington after the First World War to the housing developments delivered in later years, Council-led housing has played an important role in shaping local communities.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:
"A secure home changes everything. At a time when too many local families are being priced out of the housing market, we're taking action.
"We plan to build a new generation of Council homes, the first for general housing need in 27 years, giving families the security they deserve and creating opportunities for the next generation to stay and thrive in our Borough.
“This is an exciting new chapter that responds to today's affordability challenges and invests in local people.
"More council homes. More affordable housing. More chances for local families."
Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said:
"Housing is a key priority for the Council and central to our commitment to protect, care for and invest in our Borough.
"This investment would increase the number of affordable homes owned and managed by the Council while ensuring we continue to support residents with the greatest housing need, including those facing homelessness, care leavers, survivors of domestic abuse, veterans and people with medical or welfare needs.”
Cabinet will be asked to consider the proposals later in November. If approved, up to 300 new council homes would be delivered over the next three years, increasing the supply of affordable housing for local residents across Telford and Wrekin.