Credit: Manchester City Council
A planning application has gone in for new social housing on Silk Street, Newton Heath in Manchester, bringing a long-term brownfield site back into use.
The properties will include 36 one-bedroom apartments; 12 two-bedroom apartments; 17 two storey, three-bedroom houses; and 4 three storey, four-bedroom houses – and 16 of the apartments will be available to people over the age of 55.
Off-road parking will be included as part of the development, including private driveways for the houses.
Each of the apartments will have a balcony and living walls will provide a green aesthetic to the development, along with shared outdoor green space. They will also be built to HAPPI design principles that ensures larger internal space as standard that will easily accommodate someone using a wheelchair, along with extra storage space.
The houses will have generous gardens and solar panels, while the apartments will feature living green roofs as part of the project’s low carbon commitment.
This will also include the use of Ground Source Heat Pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to keep utility costs down for residents.
The homes will be constructed by Rowlinson with a design informed by the history of Newton Heath, celebrating the brickwork that characterises the local area. The homes will be managed by Northwards Housing.
The development is being part funded through the Government’s Brownfield Land Fund, which will help deliver 522 new homes on disused land across the city over the next five years.
The City Council has committed to supporting the delivery of at least 6,400 affordable homes for Manchester people between 2015 and 2025.
This is at least 20% of the total pipeline of 32,000 homes expected to be built during this period – and the Council is on track to exceed the affordable homes target up to 2025.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and employment, said: “We have made a clear commitment to delivering affordable homes in the communities that need them and this project is a great example.
“At a time when it remains incredibly difficult for Councils to direct build new housing, this development is not only increasing the number of social homes available to local people while bringing brownfield land back into use, but also providing housing options for older people – and with green principles and technology at its heart.
“We know these homes will be incredibly welcome in the community and I can’t wait to see these homes come to fruition.”
David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson said: “These new homes really will have it all. They are setting a new standard for affordable homes, with energy efficient green credentials and a range of sizes, including larger family homes and later living options.
“Rowlinson is proud to be working with the Council in delivering this much-needed housing for the community. Our plans include using local labour and suppliers, where possible.”
