Councillors urged to support funding deal for new homes

The go-ahead to build nearly 40 homes on the Junella Fields plot n the Newington and St. Andrew's area was given last year, along with two other sites: Lingdale Road and Preston Road site backing on to

Eastern Cemetery in Greatfield, Marfleet.

Now approval is being recommended to enter into a funding agreement with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and sign a building contract with Keepmoat Homes to deliver the scheme.

This will allow Hull to draw down allocated funding under the Government-sponsored Challenge Fund for the delivery of council housing.

It would then be the job of Keepmoat Homes to build the 38 homes on Junella Fields – part of Hull's new Building Housing for the Future Programme – to the timetable set by the HCA as the grant-making body.

The homes would include 14 two-bedroomed bungalows, eight two-bedroomed villa-style properties, and 14 three-bedroomed homes of similar design.

Legal ownership of the site will rest with the council throughout the duration of the build contract avoiding unnecessary legal transfers between parties if the council were to enter into a development agreement with Keepmoat Homes.

This will mean all the risk associated with meeting the deadlines set by the funding package rests with the private sector with Keepmoat being liable for any clawback in funding from failures to keep to the timetable.

Pauline Davis, Strategic Director for Housing Regeneration and Renewal, said the mix and layout of the development had been decided after listening to local people's views as part of the Gateway programme to deliver high quality homes to Hull.

She added: "Hull is a city which is living, learning, working, healthy and proud. One of the most important cities in Northern Europe, we are a gateway for global trade and the heart of a prosperous Humber sub-region.

"Housing for a sustainable city, which provides choice for all and meets the needs and aspirations of Hull's people and those who wish to live here – creating the conditions for population growth in the longer term."

Hull councillors are being urged to back the proposals next Monday.