BARNSLEY Council bosses are hoping to increase the local authority’s social housing stock after plans to build and acquire 211 new properties in the next five years were revealed.
A proposal will be discussed by ruling cabinet members on Wednesday, with councillors set to approve the so-called new build and acquisitions strategy to add to its 18,000-strong portfolio.
The plans are intended to provide a range of new council-owned properties with Hoyland, Wombwell, Darfield, Penistone and Dodworth listed as areas with the highest need.
The Chronicle can reveal 100 already built homes are set to be purchased, while another 111 will be built, at a total cost of £42.8m.
A report said: “Any council-owned sites identified to support new build housing will be subject to a full appraisal, technical surveys and a detailed design process following the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) plan of works.
“Engagement with local ward members and community consultation will also take place where appropriate.
“Officers will identify priority sites to bring efficiencies of scale, minimise internal resource pressures and increase delivery of new affordable homes up to 2028/29.”
The number of people on the council house waiting list is expected to drop dramatically this year due to the launch of a new system.
There are currently around 10,500 people on the list but it’s anticipated the number will drop to 3,315 by December as the council clear out-of-district and low-priority applications which have lapsed over time.
The report added: “The council will seek to maximise the energy efficiency of new build homes, adhere to planning policy and guidance, and consider best practice design specifications.
“This new build and acquisitions report provides the strategic approach to increasing housing stock over the next five years.
“However, it is important to note that the council is developing a longer-term approach for the future of its council housing stock.
“While there is an aspiration to seek to maintain existing stock levels, the future of council housing strategy will need to consider how we can continue to invest in existing stock from both a building safety, decency and retrofit perspective, alongside any investment in new provision.”
