1,000 home target for next decade upped to 3,000 as Northampton Partnership Homes sets out its stall

A new strategy unveiled by Northampton Partnership Homes outlines its ‘aspiration’ to build 3,000 new homes over the next decade.
Northampton Partnership Homes has completed 150 new homes - such as this development in Lower Bath Street.Northampton Partnership Homes has completed 150 new homes - such as this development in Lower Bath Street.
Northampton Partnership Homes has completed 150 new homes - such as this development in Lower Bath Street.

The company, which has managed 11,000 homes in Northampton Borough Council’s housing stock since being formed in 2015, had set itself a minimum target of building 1,000 new homes.

But the draft strategy for 2020 to 2030 outlines more lofty ambitions. The strategy states: “The original mandate to build 1,000 homes in ten years is more than achievable. In fact, there is potential to build significantly bigger numbers of homes in that time.”

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Helen Town, the assistant director for asset management and development, said the strategy was about outlining its goals for the next decade – with particular emphasis on sustainability and design.

Helen Town says the strategy 'sets out its stall' for the next decade.Helen Town says the strategy 'sets out its stall' for the next decade.
Helen Town says the strategy 'sets out its stall' for the next decade.

She said: “It’s setting out our stall for the new few years. We kicked off house building which was great, and it was something of a step change for the council having not built homes for such a long time.

“Council house building is so important from an overall housing market and demand point of view, but also around homelessness. It’s no secret Northampton has an issue with people living in temporary accommodation. Housing demand in Northampton is a serious issue, so we’re really motivated to build as many homes as we can do. We’re absolutely joined at the hip with the council on that.

“But we want to publicly say this is our vision, and the purpose of the strategy is a statement of intent that we’re really serious about this and we will explore every opportunity we can do to do it.”

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As of March, 150 new build homes had been completed, while 150 homes are currently being constructed on site. 240 homes have planning consent and are due to start on site during 2020, while 160 homes have been submitted for planning and more than 400 homes are at feasibility or pre-planning stage.

The new council homes at Little Cross Street.The new council homes at Little Cross Street.
The new council homes at Little Cross Street.

The strategy now outlines that 1,000 homes is the minimum target, adding: “This will help to replace some of the homes sold through right to buy but will only ‘scratch the surface’ in terms of the huge demand for affordable housing locally.”

There are currently more than 3,660 households in Northampton alone on the housing register waiting for a home.

Applications to demolish council-owned garages and replace them with a small number of homes are regular features at the borough council’s planning committee meetings. But the strategy outlines some of the other tactics NPH will use to boost its housing stock.

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This includes new builds on small HRA brownfield sites; reconfiguration of existing council assets; regenerating some existing estates; new builds on NBC-owned general fund land; and purchasing new land.

Three larger developments utilising empty former office blocks have all been approved – including the new Clock House development next to Greyfriars, and the refitting of Riverside House and Beaumont House.

Helen Town added: “If we can build more it will be brilliant. We’re working very hard to explore every opportunity possible. We’re doing the garage sites, the larger sites, adding storeys to things and eeking out every little bit of space we can do to build as best as we can.”

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