More homes for rent on the way in Rotherham
A NEW development of 31 homes – which will be available for rent – is on the way in Eastwood as part of the plan to boost council housing stock.
Sites inYork Road and Netherfield Court are being developed and will contribute towards the 1,000 new homes to be provided by the authority by next year.
When complete, the developments will include a variety of two, three and four-bedroom houses and apartments.
Cllr Linda Beresford, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, attended the official groundbreaking event along with Council colleagues and representatives from partners, G.S. Kelsey Construction Ltd.
It follows the start of building work on 28 new Council properties on Denman Road, Bushfield Road and Valley Drive in Wath.
Once finished, all homes will be allocated fairly to those in most need on our Housing Register.
Last year Cabinet agreed to make changes to who can apply to join its Housing Register to ensure priority goes to those in genuine need and make best use of the council’s homes.
The tough but fair changes include tougher residency or work requirements and tightened rules to ensure larger properties will be prioritised for families.
Cllr Beresford said: “It’s fantastic to see work now underway on these 31 new council homes in Eastwood, which will provide much-needed, high-quality homes for local people.
“This development is another important step towards our commitment to delivering 1,000 new council homes, helping ensure residents across Rotherham have access to safe, affordable housing.
“We are clear that these homes will be allocated fairly to those who need them most, supported by the changes we’ve made to our Housing Register so we can prioritise local people in genuine need.
“As well as new homes, this project is also bringing wider benefits to the community through our social value approach and our ongoing work to improve neighbourhoods in Eastwood.”
The Council is continuing to support neighbourhood improvements in Eastwood with enhanced street cleansing, enforcement action and community and schools engagement.
Alongside the Council’s own Housing Revenue Account investment, the 31 new council homes in Eastwood have been supported by investment from the Brownfield Land Release Fund, Brownfield Housing Fund and the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, the council said.