Landlord to revive council's housing PFI scheme

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

A housing association has stepped in to help Oldham Council deliver nearly 30 new affordable homes which had been removed from the local authority's £113m PFI programme.

The scheme - which is part of the ‘Gateways to Oldham’ Housing PFI proposals - was removed from the programme last year after the Government told the council to reduce its PFI costs.

However, the council approached 15,000-home Great Places Housing Group which indicated it would like to develop the site in line with the plans already approved in 2010.

Oldham Council’s cabinet is set to discuss the plans for the Coldhurst site - which will provide 28 new family homes for rent - at the end of this month. The land has been derelict for more than 30 years.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, transport and regeneration, said: “Planning permission for these homes had already been secured by the council so it was a disappointment when the Government told us to pull it from the Gateways to Oldham scheme.

“Great Places is now proposing to work with us and make a substantial investment in a scheme that already has full planning permission.

“These proposals would help out in an area of the borough where there’s a need for good quality family homes at affordable rental prices. They will help transform the Coldhurst area.

“We’ve recently signed the Gateways to Oldham contract which will see £113m investment in more than 800 new and refurbished homes. The 28 new homes proposed by Great Places already have planning permission and will be a major investment for Oldham.

“We are prepared to work with Great Places to kick start this stalled development, which will also give the Borough’s construction industry a boost by providing much-needed jobs.”