Work starts on £9.2m affordable housing scheme

Construction has begun on a £9.2m development in Castleford consisting of 82 houses.

It will offer a range of purchase and rental options, including affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership.

Located on Pemberton Road, the scheme is being developed jointly by Leeds Federated Housing Association (LFHA) and WDH, with funding support from Homes England.

It has been designed by Leeds-based Brewster Bye Architects and Esh Construction is the principal contractor.

The development will comprise two, three and four-bedroom houses and bungalows.

LFHA will manage 43 of the homes and WDH will manage the remaining 39. The first homes are expected to be ready for occupation during summer 2022.

Director, Mark Henderson, from Brewster Bye Architects, said: “We’ve designed this to offer a varied range of high-quality affordable homes, that will appeal to all demographics, ranging from families to downsizers, looking to buy and rent affordable homes.

“The development has progressed quickly and after securing planning permission at the end of last year, it’s fantastic to now see work underway.”

Stephen Ellis, head of development at LFHA, said: “This is more great news for Leeds Federated, as we continue an ambitious programme of providing great quality, affordable homes within Castleford, across the Wakefield district and the wider Leeds City Region.”

Sue Young, executive director of investment at WDH, added: “As a business we are always looking for opportunities to provide high quality homes within the local area, both for affordable rent, and sale with shared ownership.

“This will provide more families and professionals with great places to live.

“By investing in our local area, we are creating homes for those who need them in an area that is always in high demand.”

Stuart Leslie, divisional director at Esh Construction, added: “We are delighted to have secured this contract and to be working once again with Leeds Federated Housing Association and WDH.

“We are due to commence work on circa £50m of new affordable housing schemes across the Yorkshire region in the coming months and this is yet another great project which we are proud to be delivering.”