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Calls for more family homes in Leeds
CALLS have been made for more family houses as part of the regeneration of Holbeck and Beeston Hill.
These are areas of Leeds which have been largely bypassed by the city's success and in part rank among the 10 per cent most deprived areas of England.
There are high levels of poverty, ill health, crime and unemployment and relatively low levels of academic success.
To tackle the issues, Leeds City Council has secured government money for a private- sector partner for regeneration.
The scheme is expected to provide about 700 new dwellings, of which 350 would be replacement council housing and 350 would be private homes for sale.
Coun David Congreve (Lab, Beeston and Holbeck) told a recent Leeds East plans panel meeting that the greatest need was for three-bedroom family houses.
More people were waiting for these than any other properties.
"This issue needs to be looked at carefully before plans are drawn up," he stressed.
Coun Peter Gruen (Lab, Cross Gates and Whinmoor) added: "There is a glut of flats in the centre and south of Leeds and yet there is demand for family and sheltered housing."
The affected areas are characterised by two-and-three-storey terrace housing, much of it typical of 1960s and 1970s council housing. Blocks of high-rise flats will be removed.
Coun Congreve said he was pleased that unpopular maisonettes were to be demolished. "They are horrible buildings and horrible to live in," he said.
He pointed out the regeneration area would be the first in the city for 20 years to get new council houses.
"I'm not keen on PFI (Private Finance Initiative)," he said, "but if this is the only way to get investment then we should take the opportunity – in this case it is worth taking."
Coun Congreve said he was pleased that half of the new homes would be affordable: "A few years ago, areas like this were not considered to need it because the housing was so cheap compared to outer areas."
But he regretted that while housing regeneration was planned, the city council proposed to close South Leeds Sports Centre.
"When we are building new housing stock and encouraging people to stay, what is the council doing in pulling down this centre? It is very, very sad and a mistake."
Coun Gruen said planners needed to consider play areas for the regeneration scheme, parking provision and "home zones."
Detailed plans will come before the plans panel on November 20.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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