Approval sought for ‘ambitious’ four-year district housing plan

Senior councillors will be asked to approve the Wakefield Housing Plan 2023 – 2026 at their meeting next week.

The new plan sets out the council’s vision and priorities to improve the local housing offer for residents.

Wakefield Council Cabinet members will be asked to approve detailed proposals which include offering more affordable homes, more energy efficient homes, and homes that meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Specific objectives include: securing planning approval for development at the Chantry House site in Kirkgate and for work to begin; procuring a developer for the Kirkgate Innovative Neighbourhood Gateway; submitting a planning application for the Farm Lane Fitzwilliam site development; and starting works on the former Castleford Baths site.

Councillor Michael Graham, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “We want everyone in our district to have access to high quality housing.

“We want homes that are affordable and healthy to live in to support people and our economy. We are ambitious for our district and fully committed to achieving the housing outcomes that people need and deserve.”

The council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 17 September.