Plans to build at least 200 new affordable homes for local people were given the green light last night (12 November) by councillors.
The proposals, which are subject to planning permission, are to build the homes on land alongside the A12 in Marks Gate, and emanate from the council’s regeneration company, Be First. They feature homes that would be rented out at rents as low as £150 a week*.
Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First, said: “It’s no secret that there’s a huge waiting list for affordable homes in the borough. In Marks Gate alone there are 163 people on the council waiting list. So, last night’s decision is exciting because we can now start detailed designs to build quality homes for local people at rents they can truly afford.
“Our immediate priority is to talk to the local community about our plans. In particular, we want to talk about how we can dramatically improve the quality of the green spaces there, including Padnall Lake itself, and think about what sort of community facilities we can introduce to benefit local residents.”
The outline proposals include:
- at least 200 new affordable homes – including at least 35 per cent at London Affordable Rent (one bedroom rents starting at £150 a week*)
- a new community space
- plans to create better and more diverse open space to encourage increased recreational use, and
- improvements to the environment and ecology of Padnall Lake.
Be First will now consult with the local community to submit a detailed design for a planning application on the proposed development in Spring 2020.
The * rent figure is at 2019 levels.
