First phase underway to transform Heath Town estate

Planning applications have been submitted for the first 40 council homes on land off Hobgate Road and Tithe Croft, which will be the first develpment built on the estate as part of council plans to create more than 300 homes.

Architects Walker Troup have put forward designs for 16 four-bedroom homes and 24 two-bedroom homes on the sites.

The council is set to develop nine sites with plans being drawn up to potentially give them a further five sites to regenerate.

If planning permission is granted, a contractor will be selected and building works will start in autumn this year.

It is part of a major development programme, with the Housing Revenue Account business plan putting aside £157.3 million to create around 800 new council homes across the city over the next five years.

Councillor Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for city assets and housing, said: “We have made significant headway with works on the Heath Town estate over the last 12 months and real change is happening.

“The estate this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its official opening by Princess Margaret.

“This planning application will now kick-start the new building programme and we can look forward to seeing the first bricks laid for the council homes later this year.

“The majority of the new homes will come with gardens and all will have access to their own parking - Heath Town will soon look like a very different place.

“This is a major development programme as part of £3.7 billion investment on site or in the pipeline in the city - and it will make a huge difference to the quality of life and housing choice for our residents.”