Plans to create 21 new homes out of underutilised garage sites have taken a major step forward, in what has been lauded as a “win-win for everybody”.
Bedford Borough Council has worked with bpha – the Borough’s largest affordable housing provider – to secure grant funding to build new affordable homes on seven small, redundant and derelict garage sites that they own.
And bpha has now entered into contract with BSG Property Services Ltd and Parrott Construction to start work on the first four sites, at Cornland, The Boundary and Rooksmead in Bedford, and Dennis Road in Kempston.
The first handovers of the homes are planned for spring 2025.
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services said; “This is a win-win for everybody.
“For the people already living nearby, they will no longer be living next to derelict redundant and derelict garages and land.
“The new residents will be able to enjoy a mix of family homes, including four-bedroomed houses and accessible and adaptable bungalows, all of which are harder to provide in other forms of development. And they will be for social rent – the most affordable housing tenure.
“From a council perspective this is a fantastic example of how we can work together with our partners to provide more affordable homes in the Borough.
“And this has been made possible thanks to a £2.5million development grant from Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency. Overall, the programme will mean a near-£9million boost to the local economy, with wider benefits including environmental improvements, extra off-street parking, and removing a potential focus for anti-social behaviour."