Newcastle Labour is setting out an ambitious five-year plan to deliver new homes, improve existing housing and support the regeneration of communities across the city.
The council’s new Housing Strategy for 2012–2017 will bring together plans for housebuilding, regeneration and improvements to existing homes, with major housing ambitions for communities including Scotswood, Benwell, Byker and Elswick.
At the heart of Labour’s approach is a commitment to increase the supply and choice of good-quality homes and ensure Newcastle has the housing its residents need now and in the future.
That includes increasing the availability of affordable family homes, providing suitable housing for older residents and improving the quality of existing homes.
Labour also wants housing investment to play a wider role in regenerating Newcastle’s neighbourhoods.
Rather than considering new housing in isolation, the strategy will bring together housing, planning, regeneration and economic development so that investment in homes contributes to creating stronger and more sustainable communities.
In Scotswood, major regeneration plans offer the opportunity to provide new homes and support the long-term renewal of the neighbourhood. Investment and regeneration in Benwell, Byker and Elswick will also form an important part of the city’s approach.
The strategy will look across Newcastle at where new housing can be delivered, how development sites can be brought back into productive use and what action is needed to improve existing properties.
Labour believes Newcastle needs a mixture of homes which reflects the different needs of its residents, from families looking for an affordable home to older people who want suitable housing that allows them to remain independent.
Council Leader Cllr Nick Forbes said: “Having a decent home is fundamental to people’s quality of life, and Labour wants Newcastle to be a city where residents have a real choice of good-quality homes they can afford.
“Our plans aren’t simply about building houses. We want housing investment to help regenerate communities, bring land back into use and create neighbourhoods where people want to put down roots.
“From the regeneration of Scotswood to investment in Byker, Benwell and Elswick, we have an opportunity to improve existing homes while creating new ones that meet the changing needs of our residents.
“Over the next five years, Labour will work with communities and our partners to deliver better homes, greater housing choice and stronger neighbourhoods across Newcastle.”