Shadow Minister impressed by homes

10th March 2015

Shadow Housing Minister Emma Reynolds visited Sheffield Housing Company's Brearley Forge development and was impressed by the homes and the number of first time buyers which have snapped them up.

So far around 80% of the 83 properties sold by the public-private partnership have been bought by first time buyers or young families demonstrating that it is meeting its goal of delivering affordable homes in the city. A further 30 homes have been provided for rent through Great Places Housing Group and the city council and again local families are benefitting. After touring a house built to full mobility standards, the Shadow Minister commented: -I am pleased that so many of the homes in this scheme are going to first time buyers and young families. Sheffield Housing Company a joint venture comprising the city council, regeneration specialist Keepmoat and Great Places Housing Group is currently developing 305 homes across three sites in the city. The others are at Shirecliffe and Norfolk Park. Through the project, the council provides the land, which Sheffield Housing Company develops utilising Keepmoat as its building contractor and sales agent. In total, 2,300 homes are planned and applications for the next phase of development, comprising 470 properties on six further sites, will soon be made. Project Director, Tom Fenton, added: -We were delighted that the Shadow Minister came to see how we are working to improve the quality and choice of homes for people in Sheffield and that she was so enthusiastic about the pragmatic and collaborative approach we are taking. Picture caption: Emma Reynolds at Brearley Forge with Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield (left) and the city council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, Cllr. Harry Harpham.