Keys handed over for another 30 affordable homes

Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has handed over the keys of 30 brand new properties for affordable rent in the north-east of the city.

The scheme at Beckhill Grove in Meanwood includes 24 three-bed houses, two four-bed houses, two two-bed houses, and two two-bed bungalows.

All homes have been let and the final residents have just moved in.

The site was previously owned by Leeds City Council, which chose Unity as its preferred development partner.

Planning permission was granted in March 2018 with Esh Construction beginning building work shortly afterwards following a tendering process.

The new properties will complement the 125 homes Unity owns and manages in the nearby Stonegates estate.

Completion of the development takes the BME-led housing association a further step towards its goal of delivering 220 new homes in the five-year period to 2021 under the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme.

Ali Akbor, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said he was delighted to see the properties being occupied.

And he paid tribute to the efforts of Unity staff and project partners to ensure tenants could move safely into their new homes despite the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions.

“The past four months have been challenging for everyone and housing associations are no exception,” he said.

“Despite Unity’s head office being closed and most staff working at home, all essential services have been delivered to our tenants including urgent repairs.

Ali Akbor

“We have placed the wish of our prospective tenants to move into their properties in Beckhill Grove as a priority. I am thrilled that this task has been completed safely and they can now begin the process of settling in.

“The 30 new affordable homes have significantly enhanced our presence in Meanwood, taking the number of Unity properties in the area to 155.

“We are proud to be providing so many first class homes in the heart of a wonderful local community.”