Search for sites to create new ‘villages’

Jackie Sadek, the chief executive of UK Regeneration, said she was “casting her net out” for possible development sites in Yorkshire.

Ms Sadek said the project already had major institutional funding in place.

She said she wanted to deliver new forms of affordable housing in a village-style setting with shops and leisure facilities.

She said: “What is unusual about this project is that we have the funds in place, we have the outline designs, we have the Government’s ‘buy now, pay later’ scheme for land acquisition and we are absolutely ready to go.

“All we need now is for the local authorities and other landowners in Yorkshire to come forward with the locations.

“With favourable planning decisions we can be up and running very quickly.”

The project, which was launched at law firm Nabarro’s Sheffield office, has backing from City-based institutions. It is designed to deliver affordable homes to people who cannot afford a mortgage.

Ms Sadek added: “All I’ve got is a dream. I’ve not as yet identified a patch of land.”

Nabarro partner Martin McKervey said: “This is a challenge the region must rise to. We need more housing and we need it fast.”

UK Regeneration is seeking uncontaminated land, available on ‘buy now, pay later’ terms.

Ms Sadek said every Yorkshire scheme would use local architects and construction companies.