Cabinet approves big plans for affordable housing
On Tuesday 5 July, cabinet approved proposals which will create more affordable housing and energy efficient homes in Kirklees.
Where would the new housing be located?
The proposals focus on five sites across Kirklees:
- Highmoor Lane, Hartshead
- Main Avenue, Cowlersley
- Mayman Lane, Batley
- Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury
- Netheroyd Hill, Fixby
The sites have already been approved by Cabinet to be used for housing developments.
On 5 July, Cabinet will decide whether these five sites should be sold to Thirteen Group. Thirteen Group is a trusted housing developer and the council’s strategic partner, for development.
Affordable housing
The Kirklees Local Plan states that all housing developments over a certain size should include 20% affordable housing.
If these plans are approved, the goal for affordable housing across these sites would be more like 85%.
Green living
In line with our goal to make Kirklees carbon neutral by 2038, one of our priorities is that new housing developments are much more energy efficient.
Thirteen Group are looking to include a variety of modern construction methods to achieve this. As well as low carbon heating and heat recovery systems.
Solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging points and low energy light circuits would also be included in the plans.
Local economy
The local economy is also a large factor in these proposed plans. New employment and apprenticeship opportunities will be provided through this programme of work, and Thirteen Group would be committed to using local supply chains wherever possible.
A ‘Kirklees Community Fund’ would also be created for the five sites, with a minimum of £10,000 per site to be focused on benefitting nearby communities.
What happens next?
In order to achieve these great benefits for Kirklees, Cabinet will need to approve the sale of these five areas of land to Thirteen Group at ‘less than best consideration’.
Thirteen Group will prepare to submit planning applications for each individual site if the plans are approved. The aim would be to start staged construction next year, and complete development on all five sites by the end of 2025.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Growth & Regeneration, says:
“I’m really excited about this scheme, and to be working with Thirteen Group to provide much-needed housing for residents on five sites located across the district. As a strategic partner of Homes England, Thirteen Group bring with them both funding and expertise, and I look forward to seeing these energy efficient homes starting onsite.
“I hope that this first scheme with the Thirteen Group is only the start of a strategic partnership that will continue to bring much-needed energy efficient homes to Kirklees, helping us address the housing shortage we currently face and reducing our carbon footprint – as well as reducing energy costs for those living in these new homes.”