Plans to build thousands of affordable homes and reduce the number of derelict properties in North Tyneside were approved by Cabinet last night (Monday 21 February).
As demand continues to grow in the borough, North Tyneside Council has doubled down on its commitment to creating affordable housing for residents – adding an extra 1,000 homes on to its ambitious targets.
The Affordable Homes Programme, which was approved by Cabinet in May 2013, will have delivered over 1,900 affordable homes, including over 550 council homes by the end of March 2022, and these new plans will be split into two phases to reach the target of 5,000 homes.
Phase one will see the delivery of 2,100 more affordable homes, including 350 new council homes, by 2032, bringing the total to 4,000. This will include the use of new technology to reduce carbon emissions and support the authority’s response to the climate emergency.
And now following Cabinet approval, an additional 1,000 homes will be delivered as part of phase two, where the council will be looking at identifying opportunities to build more affordable homes and bringing currently derelict homes back to use.
Cllr Steve Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for Housing, said: “I am delighted that Cabinet have chosen to approve our ambitious plans to add 1,000 more affordable homes on to our targets.
“Residents have told us that building affordable homes should be a priority, and as a council that prides itself on listening to its residents, we always take and act on their feedback.
“Our target of 4,000 affordable homes was already one of the most ambitious in the region and, while we know the additional 1,000 will be a challenge, we are committed to doing all we can to ensure we reach this.
“We will be working alongside our partners and actively looking for opportunities wherever we can to deliver these homes as quickly as possible.
“I am immensely proud of our performance to date and look forward to seeing our continued progress in the coming years.”
The council’s drive to create more affordable homes focuses on providing the types of homes that are most in demand, including high-quality one-bed properties, bungalows, and family homes. The work particularly supports those who haven't got the means to buy or rent a home on the open market.
And from state-of-the-art bungalows sensitively adapted for residents with additional needs; hundreds of new or updated retirement apartments; and old industrial units, a police station and social club making way for family homes – affordable homes have sprung up right across the borough.
The council’s own trading companies, Aurora Affordable Homes and Aurora Properties (Sale) Limited have also contributed to the borough’s housing growth at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
Aurora Affordable Homes provides an affordable alternative to privately rented properties across the borough.
While Aurora Properties (Sale) Limited is dedicated to regenerating sites for housing where developers haven’t been able to. It builds and sells homes on vacant sites at no cost to the council – with all profits being reinvested in council services or more affordable homes.
ENDS
