28/06/11 - 10 New Homes in Middleport

A total of 10 bungalows and family homes will be unveiled in Sant Street and Church Square, Dalehall, which is part of the Middleport area of major intervention.

With a social housing grant from the Homes and Communities Agency, the properties will help provide much needed high quality accommodation for older people in an area where unsuitable housing had previously been cleared.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is an excellent example of the council working in partnership for the good of city residents.

"Nine of the houses have been developed on land that was owned by the council, in an area which is undergoing major regeneration intervention work. This development is helping to demonstrate the next stage of regeneration in Middleport. The council has been working hard to ensure sub-standard housing is being cleared from this area, and now we are beginning to see it replaced with high-quality accommodation. Our regeneration work revealed that 40 per cent of residents in the area would prefer to stay local, with a preference for both houses and bungalows. This scheme delivers on both counts."

The properties offer local residents that have been affected by regeneration and clearance of unsuitable houses in the area the opportunity to take advantage of newly built affordable rented accommodation.

Councillor Gwen Hassall, cabinet member for housing and neighbourhood services, said: "This scheme provides much needed affordable accommodation for city residents, and I'm delighted that the homes have been developed so swiftly. We have an identified need for high-quality two-bedroom accommodation for older people in the city and this development will provide seven two-bed bungalows and three three-bed family houses.

"The council will have full nomination rights for the properties for the first two years, and 75 per cent nomination rights thereafter, which means that residents with identified housing needs on our waiting list will be able to be accommodated."

Thomas Vale Construction are also working with Midland Heart in the wider Midlands area to provide extra care accommodation and replacement kitchen and bathrooms.

Ian Cox, Partnering & Development Director at Thomas Vale Construction added; “Thomas Vale has a great working relationship with Midland Heart, it is great to see these residents have settled into their new high quality homes.