Construction is about to start on a new housing project that aims to provide 28 affordable and eco-friendly homes in the Armley district of Leeds.
The development, managed by 54North Homes, will take place on a previously developed brownfield site along Wesley Road. This project is supported by funding from Leeds City Council and Homes England, with a total investment of £5.1 million. The project will feature 26 houses and two flats, all constructed to high specifications. Out of these, 22 homes will be offered for social rent, while six will be available through shared ownership schemes.
A key feature of the development is its commitment to sustainability, including the installation of air source heat pumps for efficient heating and hot water. Additionally, the layout of the scheme is designed to preserve mature trees on the site and will include private gardens and communal landscaped areas for residents. The architectural design for the homes is provided by Brewster Bye Architects, with Ashfield Projects (Yorkshire) Ltd serving as the building contractor, and BWA acting as the employers’ agent for the project.
Leeds City Council is contributing up to £700,000 towards the funding of this development. This contribution is sourced from Leeds’s commuted sums funding stream, which pools financial contributions from developers received through planning agreements to support affordable housing initiatives. Initially, all tenancies, and 60% of future leases — will be allocated to individuals on the council’s housing register.
The location chosen for the housing scheme was previously owned by the Diocese of Leeds and is situated at the southern end of Wesley Road, close to St Bartholomew’s Church.
Joanna Chambers, director of assets and growth at 54North Homes said:
“We are delighted to be beginning work on this development very shortly which forms part of our ambitious growth programme to build around 250 new homes over the next three years.
“In Leeds this includes a £12m scheme to build 58 new affordable homes on Railway Street near the city centre and 40 homes within the new Kirkstall Place development – all of which will help to address the acute need for more affordable housing in the city.
“Wesley Road will be a great looking scheme, it has been designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area and I am excited to see the plans become reality. It benefits from excellent local transport links to the city centre and will be the first development where 54North Homes is installing air source heat pumps, marking an important step on our sustainability agenda.
“As well as being committed to building energy efficient new homes, 54North Homes is also undertaking work to adapt some of the older homes we own to ensure they are as healthy, energy efficient and affordable for customers to run as possible.”
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing said:
“We’re determined to ensure Leeds is a place that people are proud to call home, and one key way we can achieve that aim is through schemes such as the one at Wesley Road. These new properties will be high quality and energy efficient – and it’s particularly pleasing that so many of them will be available for social rents.
“The scheme will also bring a derelict piece of land within an existing residential area back into use to create a vibrant neighbourhood, and provides a great example of the benefits of collaborative working between the council and partners.
“We have seen an annual average of 550 affordable homes delivered in the city in recent years, with the figure for each of the next three years expected to rise to around 750. This isn’t just about numbers, however – every home, including the ones that will shortly be taking shape at Wesley Road, represents happiness and a welcome feeling of security for the people living in them.”
54North Homes, a subsidiary of the Karbon Homes Group, manages over 3,500 properties across Yorkshire, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family homes. The organization was established in December 2022, following a merger between Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association and York Housing Association.
The Wesley Road development is financially supported by Homes England, facilitated through the Karbon Homes Group’s strategic partnership with the central government’s housing delivery agency. This strategic partnership has equipped Karbon with £165 million in funding, aimed at constructing 2,200 new affordable homes in the North East and Yorkshire over the coming years.
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
