New homes in Liverpool could be unlocked through community scheme
A proposed scheme could boost the development of new homes in Liverpool, according to a new report which recommends vacant land and homes be used for building.
The Community Led Housing (CLH) Asset Disposal Policy would focus on delivering much needed affordable housing by building in areas with numerous empty and derelict buildings.
The programme has already highlighted several plots of land which could be used for development, such as a former school, baths and dozens of empty houses which could be renovated.
Local community organisations would be a key component of the policy and would be provided support to design and build homes in their areas.
Cllr Sarah Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Housing, said: ‘I’m hugely excited at the prospect that the people of Liverpool are going to be given the opportunity to start shaping the housing offer in their own neighbourhoods. This proposed Community Led Housing Policy gives them and the city council a framework to follow, and crucially the land and the properties to develop.
‘If approved it will begin to unlock a number of vacant sites that have for too long blighted our communities and will eventually provide our residents new options in renting and owning their home. This is grassroots regeneration in action, housing shaped by the people, for the people.’
Research from CIA Landlord Insurance in 2022 found Liverpool was experiencing the worst housing crisis in the UK, with a deficit of 232,759 homes.
The CLH policy still needs cabinet approval, following which seven proposed sites for new homes would be marketed on the Liverpool City Council’s website.
A consultation with CLH groups has already been conducted to provide insight on how the policy could be implemented to boost affordable new homes in Liverpool.
Guidance has been produced in collaboration with community housing advisory board Breaking Ground with advice on how organisations can build their business plans.
Cllr Doyle said it would not be a particularly easy process for CLH groups, as plenty of evidence is required to prove the deliverability and financial and social value of each project.
‘There are a number of hurdles for CLH groups to jump over, the due diligence process will be rigorous and the emphasis will be on financial deliverability but based on the talks that have already taken place there is a steely determination and a quiet confidence to make this work,’ she added.
‘Given the steps involved for a business case to be approved and for the funding to be identified, and then for planning permission to be granted, this is not going to happen overnight. But the roadmap for this journey has been carefully thought out and developed.’
Local organisations will work with trained CLH advisors and be offered support as part of the social housing scheme.
Photo by Caitlin Sullivan