Masterplan featuring 2,600 homes included in three-year housing strategy

Wakefield Council’s new Housing Plan is due to be agreed by senior councillors.

The plan, which will be considered at the next council Cabinet meeting on 14 February, details what action will be take to provide homes that meet the district’s needs from now until 2026.

It will replace the previous strategy, which ended last year, and has been updated to ensure it can meet current challenges.

Under the latest plan, housing-led regeneration projects across the district will continue, including 2,600 new homes to be built in east Wakefield, as part of the City Fields Masterplan.

The plan includes using the Public Rented Sector Scheme and working with private developers and Registered Providers to increase the number of affordable new homes and improving their quality and design.

And it proposes measures that would create accommodation suitable for people living with a disability.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It is important that all our residents are given the chance to live in high quality housing, as it gives them a secure base from which to live and work in the district.

“Equally important, at this time, is the economic turmoil we are facing and the impact that is having on people who used to be able to comfortably afford to rent or own their home. Our proposed plan is aimed at helping them too.

“Our previous plan has made a lasting impact on people’s lives.

“It was achieved during one of the most difficult times this country has faced, due to the effects of Brexit, the Covid pandemic, followed by economic uncertainty.

“We’ve made encouraging progress and have developed strong and effective partnerships but recognise that we need to do more for our residents.”