£2.7 million Banks development underway

Published by Lucy Bradwell for The Regenda Group in Housing and also in Communities

Work has started on a major new housing development in Bonds Lane, Banks which will provide 30 homes for affordable rent from North West housing provider The Regenda Group.

Martin Davies, Director of Development at Regenda said: “We are investing £2.7 million in this development which will provide much needed affordable homes in an area where there is a high demand within the local community for good quality housing.  We are now transforming a derelict brownfield site which had begun to attract fly tipping into a modern and attractive housing development which will provide homes for local families.”

The development consists of 12 three bedroom and nine two bedroom houses and nine two bedroom bungalows.  The homes are scheduled for completion in January 2014.

Chris Wright, Project Manager from Melford Construction added: “The community is already benefiting from this scheme.  We have recruited all our labour locally, improved access to the site making sure that the junction is now easily visible to drivers and we will also be demolishing a derelict house at the entrance to the site which is currently an eyesore for neighbouring properties.”

West Lancashire Borough Council backed the scheme in many ways. It supported Regenda’s funding bid to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) by confirming that the proposal would provide much-needed affordable housing. This led to the HCA providing grant of £800,000 to support the schemes development. The Council also helped Regenda shape the property mix on the development so it would best meet the local requirement for affordable housing. 

Councillor Adrian Owens, West Lancashire Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Housing, Regeneration and Estates, said: “The Council is acutely aware of a shortfall of affordable housing in the borough and is delighted work has started on this site in a popular rural community. We have worked in partnership with Regenda to support this project as part of the Council’s own commitment to providing affordable housing in the borough.”

Councillor Val Hopley, West Lancashire Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Landlord Services, said: “The Council has 100% of nomination rights and will be referring applicants from its own waiting list for the new housing. Priority will be given to applicants who have a recognised local connection to the Parish in line with the Councils local connection policy. It is also good news that the scheme will employ local people.”