Homes unlockingboost for business

And as well as new homes, the project has also brought an economic boost with a huge impact to the district.

Since Excellent Homes for Life started 12 months ago, four housing sites are complete, 18 more under way and more than 40 homes are set to be occupied by the end of the year.

By the end of June 2014, 466 new homes will have been built as part of the project, a partnership between Kirklees Council and Regenter Excellent Homes for Life (a consortium including Wates Living Space and John Laing).

And this week councillors were being asked to confirm creating open spaces at four locations and changes to make accessing buses easier at two sites.

Building work began in January with the first homes being ready to move into by September.

Coun Peter McBride, Cabinet member for place, said: “This project is delivering much-needed affordable housing and some sites have been completed ahead of schedule.”

The scheme is also contributing to the regional economy. Nearly 30 Kirklees-based firms have become suppliers, 26 new apprenticeships have been created and a further 18 positions safeguarded.

A range of affordable rented housing includes homes for people with disabilities and 10 units for those with dementia.