Progress on affordable housing programme is ‘just the start’

City of Doncaster Council has completed the first phase of its affordable housing programme.
£100m was allocated for the Council House Build Programme (CHBP) by Mayor Ros Jones in 2021, as part of the new Housing Strategy 2020-25 and the Housing Delivery Plan covering that period.
The first stage began in early 2022 across three sites and was completed in April 2023 by contractors Willmott Dixon.
In total 33 new affordable rented homes have been constructed. They include:
• 21 two to four bedroom properties (Adwick Lane, Toll Bar)
• Seven two to three bedroom properties (Appleby Road, Intake)
• Five two to three bedroom properties (Athlestane Crescent, Edenthorpe)
Councillor Glyn Jones, deputy mayor and portfolio holder for housing & business, said: “It is great to reach this landmark stage in the development of our Housing Strategy and the Housing Delivery Plan. This is just the start with more than 500 new homes planned over the next five years.
“We are making a tangible difference to hundreds of Doncaster residents by building quality homes, which are ready to be occupied.
“These homes include the latest energy saving features to address climate change and to make them very affordable to keep warm and are built to meet the needs and wants of residents.”
The social housing developments are a mix of bungalows and family homes. All homes have solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed and the panels sit within the roof tiles, providing green energy as standard for the tenants.
Better under-floor insulation and electric vehicle charging points have been included on all new homes to reinforce the sustainability credentials of the developments.
Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re pleased to be celebrating the handover of these homes on Adwick Lane in Doncaster.
“After working with the council to deliver over 400 new homes in recent years, we have built strong relationships in the area and continue to help meet the growing housing needs of the local community.
“Throughout this project, we have delivered social value through initiatives to enhance social, economic and environmental wellbeing for residents, such as providing work experience, charity work, apprenticeships for young people and bettering energy efficiency standards, as well as getting involved with local schools.”
Dave Richmond, chief executive of St Leger Homes, said: “I am pleased that St Leger Homes is managing this new housing development on behalf of City of Doncaster Council.
“These attractive properties will make a real difference for our city by providing more high quality, affordable homes where local people can have a great quality of life.”
Phase two of the CHBP will begin shortly, with 123 new affordable homes to be delivered across seven different sites in Doncaster.