Tenants move into brand new council-bought homes

Families have been warmly welcomed into their new homes bought directly from developers by Leeds City Council.



So far, six families have already taken up their tenancies with another seven moving in to the newly completed properties at Bellway Yorkshire’s 51-home Acorn Park development on Thorn Walk, Gipton.



These are the first of 23 two and three bedroom homes that the council are buying from the developer.



Purchasing the new build properties ‘off plan’ from developers forms part of the council’s ambitious plans to deliver new council homes explained Councillor Peter Gruen, executive member for neighbourhoods, planning personnel:

“We’ve committed to providing council housing at levels that haven’t been seen in generations.



“Over the next three years nearly 1,000 council houses will be built; work is underway already or in the pipeline at a number of sites.



“Buying properties from developers is one other way in which we can deliver more homes for our tenants quickly.”



Ross Clarkson, sales director designate Bellway Yorkshire, said:

“By continuing to work in conjunction with Leeds City Council, we hope we can meet an ever-increasing percentage of their new housing needs and provide their tenants with luxury housing that they can proudly call home.



“Like every one of the homes we are building in Yorkshire every year, the homes on Acorn Park meet the highest possible standards, both in terms of building regulations and design – a point that is proven by the fact that only eight remain and those that have sold have been snapped up privately as well as by the council.”



The council housing growth programme will see Leeds City Council invest £73 million in its own social housing.



Notes:

Picture caption: (l-r) Councillor Roger Harrington, Councillor Peter Gruen, Ross Clarkson (Bellway Sales Director), Peter Colebrook (Bellway Land Director.



For media enquiries please contact:

Amanda Burns, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1577

email: amanda.l.burns@leeds.gov.uk



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