£90m plan for new homes gets green light

The first phase of an 18-year regeneration programme will involve building 160 homes, with features such as solar panels and higher than usual insulation levels.

Of those homes, which are a mix of bungalows, two, three and four-bedroomed properties, 105 will be earmarked as "affordable" housing and the other 55 will be council houses.

Over the next 15 to 18 years about 875 new homes are set to be built, with around 193 of those being for rent or shared ownership.

Steve Jagger, Barnsley Council's assistant director of strategic housing, said: "This is another signal that Barnsley Council is succeeding to operate in these difficult economic times and I'm very proud we've got here.

"It's taken us several years to get to this stage and its credit to the strong partnerships we have within the council and with external partners like Keepmoat Homes."

Keepmoat Homes Yorkshire will build all of the properties, including those to be owned by the Chevin Housing Group and managed by Berneslai Homes.

David Ward, managing director of Keepmoat, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen to become involved with this project and are very excited about helping to regenerate this part of Thurnscoe.

"In addition to building affordable homes, predominantly for local first and second time buyers and properties for rent and shared ownership, we will be looking to deliver training and job opportunities for local people. We also want to work with community organisations to help develop pride in their new neighbourhood."