Boosts to council housing stock in Leeds

Two initiatives with sustainable credentials have recently been completed adding more homes to Leeds City Council’s housing stock.

An empty property scheme completed this March returned over 100 empty properties back into use across the city.

Since the scheme began in 2015, Leeds City Council’s housing services have identified suitable properties and have secured both ‘Homes England’ and ‘Right to Buy Grant Funding’. 129 homes were successfully brought back into habitable condition, thus improving neighbourhoods.

Owners at 1,257 properties were written to and informed about the scheme, which generated responses from 400 and resulted in 237 properties being valued.

And 960 of the 1,257 properties are no longer empty showing impact beyond the 129 units completed.

Properties had been empty an average of 578 days at the point of purchase/transfer.

Sara Xavier and Valnick Gaviao moved into their new home on Northcote Drive, the 100^th property to be completed, in March. They commented: “One hundred is a nice round number. The house is nice and warm and our neighbours are really friendly on both sides. It’s such a nice area, really clean and quiet.”

They added: “We now have a really lovely home and are taking our time to put our stamp on it.”

On visiting the property with Gerard Tinsdale, head of housing management at Leeds City Council, Cllr Debra Coupar, executive member for communities said:

“It is nice to see that Miss Xavier and Mr Gaviao have settled in well to their new home and that this property is no longer a worry for neighbours in this street.

“This scheme acquired a range of properties including flats, bungalows, houses, office spaces and former caretaker houses, delivering properties in 25 of the 33 wards across the city."

The second initiative saw council new build partner Kier handing over 23 new homes on the Broadlea estate in Bramley with the final property due to be handed over shortly. 22 two and three bed properties are being let to applicants on Leeds Housing Register.

To help tenants reduce their fuel bills and limit their impact on the environment, the properties benefit from energy efficient glazing and high levels of insulation.

Cllr Coupar added: “This is another example of how we are working with partners to ensure Leeds housing stock incorporates quality design and flexible space.

“These homes are a benchmark for high standards and sustainability in new housing.”

Each property on the Broadleas scheme benefits from:

• Energy efficient glazing

• Gas central heating • Modern kitchen, compatible for gas or electric

• Overhead bath shower

•Energy efficient hot water, heating and ventilations systems

• Vehicle charging point

• Off street parking

• Enclosed garden area

• Garden shed

• Solar panels

ENDS