Eight new affordable housing projects planned

Eight locations where the council could build more affordable housing over the next three years

Tom Cramp - Local Democracy Reporter | Tuesday 16th May 2023 9:19am

Eight locations in Birmingham have been earmarked for affordable housing schemes by Birmingham City Council. The plans would see 237 new homes built in various neighbourhoods across the city before 2026.

A report outlines eight plots of council-owned land that are ‘surplus to requirements’ and can be used by housing providers to deliver affordable homes. The council will be able to nominate suitable tenants for all the new homes for a minimum period of ten years.

Plans are in response to the ‘extremely high’ demand for cheaper housing across the city. The homes will go towards meeting the council’s target for 19,400 more affordable homes between 2011 and 2031.

A list of the proposed locations is as follows:

Birmingham City Council has said affordable housing can take many forms such as affordable rent, shared ownership, subsidised market sale, rent to buy, key worker homes, and the social rent model. Housing charity Shelter says affordable housing should cost no more than 35% of a household’s income after tax and benefits.

A report from the council’s strategic director for place, prosperity and sustainability, Paul Kitson, reads: “The demand for affordable housing across the city and surrounding areas is extremely high. 

“With a higher than national average waiting list and increased numbers of families in temporary accommodation, it is a key priority and objective of the City Council over the coming years to accelerate affordable housing delivery.”

Birmingham City Council’s cabinet will meet next Tuesday (May 16) to discuss the proposals in more detail.

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