200 homes planned, but just 32 delivered
Jun 12 2009 by Amy Hunt, The Journal
The council’s executive director of environment and regeneration, David Slater, said: “The economic downturn has undoubtedly taken its toll on the number of homes being built across the city as it has all over the country.
“We are concentrating on improving the pace of delivery by demolishing unsuitable properties and putting in infrastructure to create sites for development when the recovery begins.
“We are working closely with our partners Bridging NewcastleGateshead and Your Homes Newcastle to bring forward a range of financial solutions to increase homeownership.
“This sits alongside our close working with Your Homes Newcastle to deliver up to 300 new homes across the city with development due to start on a number of sites beginning with Throckley and Fawdon, where 97 homes will be built. Increasing the supply of affordable housing is a key priority, so we are supporting YHN in their bid to the Homes and the Communities Agency for a grant of £4.9m to build affordable homes.”
A report to councillors found although 563 houses were finished in 2008/09, 531 were demolished, leaving a net build of just 32. Council bosses say the recession is to blame since it is difficult for developers to raise the money to start on site and also hard to sell properties once they are finished.
And they say they are putting into motion various schemes to counteract the slowdown.
