5:54pm Tuesday 7th September 2010
By Mark Stead
PLANS for York’s first new council houses in 20 years are being pushed ahead after fresh funding was found to pay for the eco-friendly development.
The scheme to create the homes off Lilbourne Drive, in Clifton, was placed in jeopardy when Government funding cuts led to the withdrawal of the £1.25 million grant City of York Council expected to receive.
But the authority was invited to resubmit its bid to the Homes and Communities Agency, which has a £19 million pot for affordable housing in Yorkshire and Humberside, and it today revealed it had secured £1.12 million.
The rest of the £2.6 million bill for the nine two-bedroom and ten three-bedroom homes will be met by the council and repaid over 30 years through the rental income from the properties.
Steve Waddington, the council’s head of housing, said: “The quality of this development is clear for all to see and we are really delighted to hear our bid for funding has been successful.
“We are committed to leading by example and delivering much-needed affordable housing to very high eco-standards.”
Subject to planning permission, the development is expected to begin in December and be completed by Christmas next year. It will boast a “code level five” rating for sustainability, the highest mark available.
Council leader Andrew Waller said: “It has been a long time since any new council houses were built in York and the construction of these new homes will provide a much-needed boost to the local construction industry and will be a welcome addition to the council’s stock of housing.”
Clifton councillor Ken King welcomed the news and said more council housing was needed.
The Homes and Communities Agency has also confirmed financial support for housing schemes in Selby and Appleton Roebuck.
Its area head Naz Parkar said: “It’s excellent news for residents in the York area that we are able to provide funding for 48 new homes to be completed over the next two years.”
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