First Homes Completed at New Leeds Council Housing Development

Progress made on 82 affordable homes at Hough Top, Swinnow

Work on a new council housing development in Leeds has reached a significant milestone with the completion and handover of the first seven homes to tenants. The development, located on the former Hough Side High School site at Hough Top in Swinnow near Pudsey, will ultimately provide 82 affordable houses and apartments.

Details of the Hough Top development

• The scheme includes 55 houses and 27 apartments with one to four bedrooms.
• All properties will be available for affordable rent to council tenants.
• Energy efficiency features such as individual air source heat pumps are expected to help reduce tenants’ living costs.
• Approximately 4,500 square metres of public open space will be created on the site, which has been vacant since the demolition of the former school buildings in 2021 and 2022.
• Full completion of the development is anticipated this winter.

Funding and community benefits

The majority of funding for the project has been provided by Leeds City Council’s housing service through Right to Buy receipts and borrowing. Additionally, £1.64 million in grant support has been received from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.

The scheme’s lead contractor, Willmott Dixon, has also delivered a range of social value activities, including:

• 125 apprentice training weeks
• Nearly 75 hours of school engagement
• Career mentoring for local residents

Statements from officials and partners

Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, Councillor Peter Carlill, said the completion of the first homes was “great news” and highlighted the council’s commitment to providing quality, energy-efficient, affordable housing across the city.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, emphasised the importance of affordable housing amid cost of living pressures and noted the role of devolution and investment in supporting housing delivery across the region.

Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, described the handover as a significant milestone and spoke about the company’s focus on delivering high-quality homes while creating skills and employment opportunities for local people.

Context within Leeds Council Housing Growth Programme

The Hough Top development forms part of Leeds City Council’s Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), which has delivered or acquired hundreds of homes in recent years. Recent completed schemes include:

• A 33-home development at Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft
• A 55-home development in the Ambertons area of Gipton
• A 176-home scheme in Middleton, including the 60-apartment Gascoigne House extra care facility

Current projects under construction include the Middlecross development in Armley, which will provide 65 apartments for affordable rent to people aged over 55 with care and support needs.