Barking and Dagenham: Council launches biggest housing scheme since the 1960s

Barking and Dagenham Council have unveiled new plans to build quality housing in the borough, it has been revealed.

The local authority recently announced that they will be collaborating with a number of developers in order to improve existing homes and construct new ones.

Some of the existing council estates will also be abolished, while new homes are being built.

Houses in Goresbrook Village, as well as The Leys Estate, will be demolished, and replaced with new properties.

Over 1,200 of these are set to be completed by March 2016 and a significant number of those will be designed specifically for people who are on low incomes.

A further 146 homes have already been built for local people in housing need.

The council said that this new house building initiative is one of the biggest in the borough since the 1960s.

Barking and Dagenham Council has also been recognised as being one of the most prolific housebuilders in the UK.

Commenting on the developments, councillor Mick McCarthy, cabinet member for housing, said that Barking and Dagenham Council are one of the biggest house builders in London.

He added: "The council is committed to improving housing standards to creating thriving communities by investing in new homes and widening the housing choice of our residents. 

“We are creating innovative solutions to tackle the unprecedented demand for housing in the middle of an economic downturn."  

The council has also set up Reside, a company that provides affordable housing to local people.

The aim of the organisation is to help those who can’t afford to get on the housing ladder, but find it difficult to access social housing.

In addition, the council launched a Private Rented Property Licensing Scheme in the borough, which all landlords will be required to join.

The initiative compels landlords to maintain high standards in their properties and also helps to identify those who keep their homes in a poor state of repair.

Published 8th April, 2014

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