Lack of new housing ‘in danger of damaging Bradford’s economy’

HUNDREDS of extra homes will be needed every year to cope with the rising population in Bradford and keep housing affordable, according to a new report.

The district needs some 2,200 new homes every year but during the recession the number of houses being built has fallen to around 700 a year.

Bradford Council’s new housing strategy says urgent action is needed with forecast’s the area’s population will grow by more than eight per cent in the next decade with homes for young people a particular priority.

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The affordability of homes is also a growing problem with the report warning that low income families are being priced out of whole areas of the district such as Ilkley where the average house price is around £333,000.

The strategy document warns the lack of housing is already having an impact with 10 per cent of households in Bradford classed as overcrowded.

It warns: “If housing growth does not keep up with population growth, overcrowding and homelessness will get worse and impact upon the district’s economic growth prospects.”

The strategy also highlights the danger of a brain drain from Bradford if highly skilled people cannot find the homes they want.

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The document points to the Canal Road corridor between Bradford and Shipley, Holme Wood and Tong and the city centre as areas where large numbers of homes could be built in the coming years.

Bradford Council says it will be working to find ways to unlock potential housing sites and working with developers on joint ventures,

Further efforts will also go into cutting the number of unoccupied houses across the district.

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council’s executive member for housing, planning and transport, said: “Our vision is that everyone in the district should have a place to call home which is suitable for their needs.

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“This strategy identifies what we and our partners will do to ensure everyone has a place to call home in the Bradford district.

“We have worked with a range of partners to develop this strategy and each of the key priorities should make a real contribution to people’s lives and the achievements of the district.

“We have many housing and homelessness challenges ahead of us but with continuing commitment of the council and our partners we have the opportunity to make big steps towards achieveing our vision.”

The new housing strategy says there is scope for a significant increase in private sector rented homes to meet the needs of families who cannot afford to buy.

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However, it highlights issues with the existing stock of private rented properties with more than 40 per cent having at least one “significant hazard” such as the danger of falling on stairs or excessive cold.

Landlords were ordered to carry out improvements in around 700 cases last year.

More than ten per cent of households in Bradford are in fuel poverty with many of the poorest families in stone terrace back to back properties which are among the hardest to insulate.

The report also highlights the challenges posed by the growing older population and finding ways to adapt homes accordingly.

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The council wants to see more thought going into new homes built in the district so that they remain suitable for people through their life time.

The document further suggests councillors will be considering providing more pitches to be used by travellers.

Senior councillors will consider the new housing strategy at a meeting next week.