First council homes in decades could be built in west Leeds village under new 25-flat plans
West Leeds village could get its first council homes in decades with plans for 25 new flats 🏘️
A community could get its first new council housing in decades if plans are approved for 25 flats.
One and two bedroom apartments would be built at the vacant Richmond House site on Richmond Road if a planning application is successful.
The council said all the flats would be intended for rent by people on the Leeds Homes register.
Labour councillor Craig Timmins said there was a growing need for affordable homes in his Calverley and Farsley ward.
He said: “My case work is full of people who are desperate for a new home and this will really help alleviate some of that pressure.
“We’ve not had any council homes built in the Calverley and Farsley ward since the 1970s.”
Coun Timmins said social housing stock had depleted over the years after people were given the right to buy their council homes.
Plans for 33 flats in a building of up to three stories were originally drawn up by the council.
The development was down-sized to 25 flats over two storeys after concerns over the size of the scheme were raised by people living nearby.
Coun Timmins said there were other concerns over increased traffic and greater demand on local services.
He said: “There are genuine concerns and we have to listen to them.
“I’ve actually called for a masterplan of the entire area to look at the highways and local services to make sure people aren’t left behind and the services are good enough.”
A design report said shops and bus stops would be within walking distance of the new flats.
It said: “The scheme represents a well designed, sustainable development that will make a positive contribution to the local area, providing much-needed affordable housing and bringing forward a brownfield site.”
A full planning application is out for consultation until September 14.