'A new chapter': Plans to build Telford's first council houses in almost 30 years revealed

Telford & Wrekin Council have revealed plans to build 300 council homes over the next three years.

Plans to build 300 new council homes, which would be available for social and affordable rent, will be presented to Telford & Wrekin’s cabinet next week.

If councillors approve of the plan, the new properties would be the first council housing built in the borough for nearly three decades.

Telford & Wrekin Council say the £53.65m programme will help address a shortfall in social housing properties, which face ongoing losses through sales, redevelopment and right to buy schemes.

The new social housing properties would be different to those provided by Council-owned housing developer NuPlace, which owns and manages hundreds of private rented properties in the borough.

A spokesperson for the local authority said the new homes would be made up of a mix of property sizes in various locations, and will include specialist and supported accommodation where required.

They said the scheme would prioritise residents with “the greatest housing need”, including people who are homeless, care leavers, survivors of domestic abuse, veterans and those with medical or welfare needs.

Council Leader, Councillor Lee Carter, said: "A secure home changes everything. At a time when too many local families are being priced out of the housing market, we're taking action.

"We plan to build a new generation of Council homes, the first for general housing need in 27 years, giving families the security they deserve and creating opportunities for the next generation to stay and thrive in our Borough.

“This is an exciting new chapter that responds to today's affordability challenges and invests in local people.

"More council homes. More affordable housing. More chances for local families."

Cabinet will be asked to consider the proposals at a meeting on Thursday, November 12.