Construction is poised to commence on a new housing initiative in Leeds, aimed at reducing local housing shortages through the creation of numerous affordable council homes.
Leeds City Council was granted planning approval last month for the project, which involves constructing 82 high-quality, energy-efficient homes on the site of a former school in Hough Top, Swinnow, near Pudsey. Site preparations are currently progressing, setting the stage for the primary construction phase to potentially start next month. This development, part of Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), will feature 55 houses and 27 apartments. These dwellings will offer a variety of layouts, including one, two, three, and four-bedroom options.
The new homes will be designed for easy adaptation and equipped with air source heat pumps, a green heating technology that aims to reduce carbon emissions and combat fuel poverty. All properties will be offered at affordable rents, providing crucial support to families in a part of Leeds facing significant housing challenges. Willmott Dixon, a construction and property services firm, will execute the development for the council. This project is expected to positively impact the broader community by generating various employment, skill-building, and apprenticeship opportunities.
During the construction phase, the initiative will offer more than 500 hours of career support to young individuals. Already, a local school leaver has secured a full-time apprenticeship with Willmott Dixon, highlighting the scheme’s commitment to fostering local talent and career development. The company has spearheaded pre-construction efforts at the 2.5-hectare site, which has been vacant since the demolition of the former Hough Side High School buildings in 2021 and 2022.
Situated in a well-established residential area, the site was designated for housing in the Leeds Site Allocations Plan, a crucial policy document adopted by the council in 2019. Local residents and ward councillors have been updated on the latest developments at Hough Top through a newsletter distributed to over 220 nearby households.
The majority of funding for this housing project, expected to be completed by late 2026, is provided by the council’s housing service through Right to Buy receipts and borrowing. Additionally, the scheme will receive £1.64 million in grant support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing said:
“We are determined to ensure that everyone in Leeds is able to enjoy the stability and security that comes with a good-quality home, with the increased provision of affordable housing having a central part to play in that. It’s really encouraging news, therefore, that the main phase of construction work on the residential development at Hough Top is due to begin shortly.
“These affordable homes will make a hugely positive difference to people’s lives, and will bring back into use an allocated housing site that has good access to public transport, green space and local services. Schemes such as this one are particularly important in a ward like Pudsey, where we know there is a very high demand for affordable housing.
“The start of construction will be another landmark achievement for our Council Housing Growth Programme, which is working – with the support of partners – to change communities across our city for the better.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“I’m delighted we’re bringing more high-quality homes to west Leeds. We believe that having a safe and secure place to live is a fundamental right, which is why we’re investing vital funds to deliver thousands of much-needed homes across West Yorkshire. Together with our partners like Leeds City Council, we’re dedicated to building a greener, more secure region for future generations.”
Since 2018, over 350 new homes have been constructed under the council’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), and more than 340 homes have been acquired through the same initiative. These acquisitions and new constructions are pivotal in the council’s strategy to alleviate the strain on affordable housing locally. Additionally, by increasing the availability of suitable properties, these efforts have enabled tenants wishing to downsize, thereby releasing homes more suitable for larger families.
Expanding the social housing stock is deemed essential for fostering inclusive growth and enhancing the general health and well-being of the community. The quality of the homes developed under the CHGP has garnered both regional and national acclaim, with the Tarnside & Mardale project in Seacroft and the Throstle Rec and Gascoigne House development in Middleton each earning industry accolades.
Leeds is proactive in addressing the diverse housing needs of its population. Alongside new development, the city is renovating existing properties to meet modern standards of living. These renovations are crucial in preserving the architectural heritage of Leeds while ensuring that all housing is safe, comfortable, and suitable for contemporary living.
Looking to the future, Leeds is poised to continue its trajectory as a leader in innovative housing solutions. With plans to expand housing developments, integrate smart technology, and enhance community amenities, the city is committed to providing homes that meet the needs of its growing population.
The ongoing transformation in Leeds not only reflects the city’s dynamic approach to urban development but also its dedication to creating sustainable and inclusive communities. As Leeds continues to grow, it remains a beacon of how cities can evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century, ensuring that all residents have access to affordable, high-quality, and sustainable living options www.leedshomes.org.uk
