The West Yorkshire Housing Partnership has welcomed new figures which underlined the progress being made by Leeds as it works to develop the supply of new housing.

A total of 4,441 homes were built in the city during the 12 months to the end of March – the highest level of delivery in Leeds since the early 1980s and 35% above the local target rate for the year.

More than 650 of these homes were classed as affordable, meaning they are available for rent at below market value or can be bought via a shared ownership arrangement.

“Delivering affordable, high-quality homes is a key priority for the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership and these figures show what can be achieved by working closely together.”

“We’ve developed a close working relationship with Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and we’re delighted that more homes have been built over the last 12 months than at any other time since the early 1980s – including hundreds of affordable homes.“

“We look forward to building on the momentum achieved and delivering even more of the homes that local people and local communities need.”

Our Chair, Andy Wallhead

Affordable housing schemes being undertaken by our partnership members include 152 homes at Calverley Lane in Horsforth and 146 homes at Breary Lane in Bramhope, with these developed by Stonewater and Yorkshire Housing respectively.

More than 1,000 affordable homes are also being developed in the city centre over the next five years by housing associations such as Guinness, WDH, Clarion, 54North and L&G Affordable Homes.

Meanwhile, schemes recently completed by Leeds City Council include a development in Middleton that comprises Gascoigne House – a 60-apartment extra care facility – as well as 100 family homes and 16 wheelchair-accessible bungalows.

Work has also begun this year on 88 new homes in Seacroft and the Ambertons area of Gipton which will be made available as council housing at affordable rents.

“It is really pleasing to see such impressive housing development activity in the city. This is the result of strong investment from the private sector and excellent collaborative work by the council, housing associations and the third sector.”

“Together we are using every tool at our disposal to deliver affordable homes for those households and families most in need.“

“Despite these efforts, however, we still face significant challenges caused by ongoing increases in demand.“

“It is essential, therefore, that we maintain our current momentum to ensure we provide the necessary supply, choice and quality of homes in the right locations as part of our continued regeneration and growth.”

Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Housing

“The delivery of new homes is essential to the growth of our economy, particularly at a time when the population of Leeds has been rising faster than the national average.”

“As well as ensuring that we meet the needs of all our communities, we should see housing as critical infrastructure that helps us create new jobs and supports our key sectors in driving the city forward.”

“It is equally important that our growth is locally led, with our Leeds Local Plan identifying the most sustainable locations and sites for development.”

“We are committed to ensuring a strong local voice as we prepare an update to the Leeds Local Plan and a further review that will set the course for the next phase of housing growth up to 2040.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development