NEWSROOM

In a report, Telford & Wrekin Council outlines opportunities to develop smaller, affordable and flexible new homes to help meet growing demand for one-bedroom accommodation across the Borough. Demand for one-bedroom homes currently accounts for around 60% of overall housing demand, highlighting a significant gap in local provision that these proposals aim to address.

The recommended ideas include options for the delivery of one-bedroom homes on suitable Council-owned sites and also an initiative to use disused garage sites for new housing.

Earlier this year, a working group of cross party elected members was established to review evidence, examine alternative housing models and recommend the most effective options for further development.

The group considered a range of approaches, including modular housing, micro-homes, the conversion of existing buildings and the redevelopment of underused sites.

One option the Council is already pursuing is potential use of garden pods to provide sustainable, high-quality accommodation for young people transitioning from, or stepping down from, care. Members heard that this could support greater independence while enabling young people to maintain important relationships with foster families, increase fostering capacity and help avoid future costs.

Following its review, the working group has recommended two proposals to Cabinet that it believes offer the greatest long-term benefits for local residents.

The recommendations are to develop options for new one-bedroom homes on suitable Council-owned sites and work with Housing Plus Group to pilot the redevelopment of disused garage sites across the Borough for new housing.

Many of the garage sites are currently owned by Housing Plus Group. The proposed pilot would explore how the Council and Housing Plus Group could work together to bring these underused sites back into productive use and help meet local housing needs.

Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said:

"This is about thinking differently and finding innovative housing solutions that respond to the needs of local people.

“We know there is significant demand for affordable one-bedroom accommodation across the Borough, and we have a responsibility to explore every opportunity to make better use of the land and assets already available to us. By doing so, we can help meet the needs of those who need it most, whether that's someone taking their first step towards living independently, or a young person transitioning from foster care into adulthood and building a stable future.

"The working group has carefully considered a range of options and these recommendations have the potential to increase housing choice, help meet unmet need and provide greater local influence over the type of homes delivered in our communities.

"By taking a proactive approach, we can help ensure that future housing remains affordable, sustainable and focused on improving outcomes for residents."

Cabinet will consider the report and recommendations at its meeting next week.