Derby City Council has been offered the opportunity of acquiring a development of 14 new build homes for further rented housing in the city centre.

It is hoped that the homes will provide additional affordable homes for those in identified housing need in the city.

The development consists of four two-bedroom bungalows, four two-bedroom houses and six three-bedroom houses, providing a good mix of property types for a variety of housing demands and residents.

The site has received planning permission and works have commenced, with an approximate construction period of 12 months. There is a range of local amenities within walking distance including infant and junior schools, a doctor’s surgery, a convenience store and bus stop.

The homes would form part of the Council’s affordable housing stock and would be managed by Derby Homes.

The Council will also be initiating the acquisition of five long-term vacant properties to provide further affordable housing within the city centre.

This acquisition forms part of the Council’s Empty Homes Strategy, which aims to facilitate the renovation and reoccupation of vacant dwellings and contribute towards meeting local housing demand.

This process is undertaken when owners cannot be traced or are unwilling or unable to bring the property into usage and cannot demonstrate that they will be occupied in the near future.

The action also helps tackle any anti-social behaviour and environmental problems that neglected properties can bring to nearby residents and communities.

This recent acquisition highlights the significant steps that have been taken to ensure the reduction of empty homes throughout the City. Between 2010 and 2019 the number of vacant properties has fallen from 4.500 to 3,000 at present.

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing said:

The purchase of new homes and acquisition of empty homes is testament to our commitment to providing as much affordable housing as possible within the city, something which is in ever increasing demand on a national and local scale. It also highlights our continual efforts to reduce the amount of empty homes across the city, something that we have made real strides with over the past few years.