Council could spend millions on new-build affordable homes

The development plans in Stapleford (credit Broxtowe Borough Council)
By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter

Broxtowe Borough Council could set aside up to £3.5 million to purchase 26 affordable homes on a new build site.

Housing associations have shown “little interest” in affordable homes at Field Farm in Stapleford, council documents show.

The council is therefore considering buying 22 two and three bedroom homes and four shared ownership homes.

After completing phase one of the development in Ilkeston Road, Westerman Homes sold the land to Peveril Homes, which is planning phase two of the site.

The homes, which will be built between 2023 and 2026, would also be purchased at a “significant discount” by the council.

Councillors will be asked to vote on setting aside up to £3.5 million, using the authority’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme for the homes.

The development has faced controversy in the past after plans for phase one were turned down by Broxtowe Borough Council on the grounds of design.

Developers then appealed to the Secretary of State, who overturned that decision in 2017.

The location of the affordable homes in one corner of the site was also criticised earlier this year after Councillor Richard MacRae (Ind) said it would create an “us and them community”.

Council papers stated: “The acquisition of these units will assist the Council in meeting its housing targets set out in the approved Housing Delivery Plan.

“The proposed procurement route is for the Council to buy the land from the developer and then immediately enter into a building contract with the developer for the construction of the 26 homes.”

The move will be discussed during the authority’s cabinet meeting on May 24.

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