£14.6m boost for West Cheshire housing market
West Cheshire Council has secured a grant funding offer of £14.68m to speed up the delivery of 700 new homes across the borough.
The accelerated construction grant from Homes England will allow construction to commence more quickly at six housing sites in Ellesmere Port, Chester and Winsford.
The council has already secured the delivery of more than 900 new homes, 400 of which have been completed, while the remainder are making good progress.
Of the 700 new homes, at least 30% will be affordable.
The homes will be for sale, affordable rent and shared ownership, with some available for private rent.
The council said that it would work with partner developers and housing associations to develop and manage the new homes.
The six sites to be developed include:
- The former Acorns Primary School and Rivacre business centre in Ellesmere Port
- The former Handley Hill School in Winsford
- Wharton Green in Winsford, which is identified in the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan for residential development
- A small site in Lache, Chester
- Land to the rear of Verdin Exchange in Winsford, also identified in Winsford Neighbourhood Plan for residential development
“The council’s housing strategy and corporate plan recognise the importance of good quality and affordable housing to meet the need of our diverse communities and also that housing is one of the basic needs to enable residents to live independent and healthy lives,” said Cllr Angela Claydon, cabinet member for housing at West Cheshire Council.
“This funding opportunity enables the council to build upon its successful housing delivery programme and will ensure the council continues to be at the forefront of residential development in the borough for the next five years.”
She added: “The council has already undertaken significant site evaluation on the sites to establish their suitability for development.
“This funding allows for work to begin and will help to meet the housing needs of the borough.”
