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Sunderland Council has set out plans to deliver more than 500 homes over the next five years, following its decision to return to housebuilding after almost 20 years since it last developed.
Of the 574 homes it aims to deliver by 2025, 362 will be former empty homes brought back into use, 117 will be newly developed bungalows and 95 will be new or refurbished supported accommodation units.
The supported accommodation units will include temporary accommodation for homeless people, refuges for domestic abuse survivors and homes for people with mental health needs and physical disabilities.
In a report being considered by its cabinet today, the council has also confirmed it will reopen its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) once its stock exceeds 200 units, in line with government guidance.
It is estimated that the total gross investment cost to deliver the homes will be £59m, while the total net investment needed is estimated at £37m once grant funding has been considered.
In November Inside Housing revealed Sunderland Council’s plans to return to housebuilding for the first time since it transferred all 36,356 of its homes to Sunderland Housing Group – now known as Gentoo – in 2001.
The council’s delivery plan fits in with a wider goal to deliver 800 homes per year, over the next 10 years, in the region.
This includes work with private sector development partners to develop family housing, alongside partnerships with housing associations, including Thirteen Group, to deliver additional affordable homes.
Sunderland Council is part of a wave of councils, including Liverpool, Peterborough and Bradford, which have decided to reopen their HRAs to build homes after Theresa May’s government decided to lift the cap on the amount that could be borrowed in 2018.
In October exclusive research by Inside Housing revealed that councils are set to quadruple their housebuilding over the next five years, as they seek to collectively deliver 80,000 new homes.
Inside Housing is pleased to join forces with Homes England and the LGA to introduce the Inside Housing Development Summit.
Taking place on 27-28 April 2020, the summit will gather together local authorities, housing associations, developers, fund managers and advisors for a Chatham House style event focussed on making new connections and exploring new delivery models.
The summit will take place over 28 hours, starting with an afternoon plenary on 27 April, an exclusive development site study tour to Northstowe, England's largest new town since Milton Keynes, followed by a business dinner.
The second day will provide opportunities to network with a range of senior Homes England and LGA staff including Nick Walkley, chief executive of Homes England and Mark Lloyd, chief executive of LGA.
You’ll also meet with leaders from across the development ecosystem and take part in group discussions to help you connect and explore new opportunities. All accommodation and meals will be provided within the fee.
Places for each stakeholder group are limited to ensure a balanced mix of participants and to make sure you leave with the relationships and leads you need.
Click here to book your place or for more information