Member Article

Another 500 new homes for Sheffield

Architects have been appointed to design over 500 new homes which will be built in the second phase of development by Sheffield Housing Company.

The properties – of which around 350 will be for sale - will be in the Fir Vale, Manor, Norfolk Park, Parson Cross and Shirecliffe areas of the city.

Designs are expected to be unveiled at a series of public consultation events over the summer and building could begin by spring next year, with all sites under construction before the end of 2015.

A £1.6 million loan from Sheffield City Council has enabled the design process to begin with immediate effect, allowing development to be brought forward sooner than originally planned. The loan comes from the New Homes Bonus that the government gives to local authorities to encourage the development of new homes.

Construction of 142 homes at Brearley Forge - named after the inventor of Stainless Steel, Harry Brearley – 116 at Cutler’s View, Norfolk Park and 47 on smaller infill sites in Shirecliffe is already well underway and 31 buyers have already moved in.

Councillor Harry Harpham, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “I am delighted that we were able to provide this loan which kick starts work on the next phase of this exciting, housing led regeneration of large areas of the city.

“The urgent need for high quality family housing here is evident from the huge interest there has been in the first phase of Sheffield Housing Company developments.”

Phase two homes will be designed to not only meet the needs of the local community but to also attract purchasers from further afield by providing high quality family accommodation - some of which will be even larger than the new homes constructed to date.

Tom Fenton, Project Director with Sheffield Housing Company, said: “Once again space, value and energy efficiency, to help keep down the bills, will be the principles which drive the design and development of these new homes.

“In addition, being constructed to reach the Lifetime Homes standard makes adaptations easier - allowing people to alter their home to meet changing family needs. With around 15% of the properties completed to Mobility Standards and 10% being fully wheelchair accessible, we can also help people to remain living independently for as long as possible. I am not aware of any other developer in the area constructing homes to such exacting standards.

“We also hope to be able to offer Help to Buy on phase two. This government backed equity loan of up to 20% of the property value has proved a popular option on phase one. So far 82% of buyers have taken advantage of the scheme.”

Full details of the phase two sites and the approximate number homes to be built is as follows:

Earl Marshal Drive, Fir Vale, 67 Ravencarr Place, Manor, 185 Three sites at Park Grange Drive and Park Grange Road, Norfolk Park, 111 Two sites at Buchanan Road, Parson Cross, 126 Crumpsall Drive, Shirecliffe, 48

Mark Knight, New Build Managing Director for Keepmoat Yorkshire, said: “As a key partner for the Sheffield Housing Company, we are delighted that plans for phase two have been announced. These developments will provide a mix of high quality, modern homes, ideal for first time buyers and families.”

As designs for phase two take shape, details of local consultation events will be released so that people can see and comment on the proposals. Meanwhile, to be kept informed contact Tamsin Auckland on 0114 202 7129 or email sheffieldhousingcompany@sheffield.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .