Over 200 households on Birmingham City Council’s housing waiting list will soon be moving into newly built homes, if proposals for the Perry Barr Residential Scheme (PBRS) are approved by cabinet.
The council is set to make a decision on nearly 1,000 homes within the scheme, and on 23 July, cabinet is being recommended to approve plans to retain 213 newly built homes for council housing use, providing a welcome boost to the supply of high-quality council homes.
Additionally, the sale of three plots within the Perry Barr Residential Scheme is being recommended for approval by the council’s Property Cabinet Sub-Committee. If approved, this will bring an additional 755 new apartments onto the market, most of which would be ready to be occupied.
The two proposals being brought forward for approval follow on from a review of the scheme’s disposal strategy and an active period of the plots being marketed for sale to professional investment managers and operators.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “It’s great to see the progress that has been made to improve Perry Barr. It’s becoming a place where people are proud to live in and a destination of choice for visitors or for those wishing to relocate.
“The investment has brought massive benefits locally with upgraded public transport links, the stunning redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium and, of course, a significant number of homes that are now ready for occupation.”
Cllr Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, added: “The country is in the grip of a severe national housing crisis, one that means demand for accommodation in Birmingham has never been higher.
“The council has successfully managed to attract investment to deliver 968 new homes in Perry Barr, in north-west Birmingham. Subject to Cabinet approval, a proportion of these will be available for council housing.
“The decision to keep one of these plots to be used as council homes has been made after a detailed analysis of all possible options.
“It will boost the supply of homes for people in the city who are most in need, at a time when the number of people on the housing register has never been higher.”