New homes being built on garage sites

Harborough District Council is redeveloping its garage site in St Cuthbert’s Avenue, Great Glen, to create four attractive, two-bed semi-detached houses.

Working with a number of partners, the council is turning the St Cuthbert’s site into new homes which will be available at low market value as part of the Government’s ‘Help To Buy’ scheme to assist people finding it difficult to get on to the property ladder.

The council is also looking to develop another former council-house garage site in Paget Road, Lubenham, with a view to creating one new four-bed home, one new three-bed home and a bungalow suitable for people with mobility issues and will submit a planning application relating to this site in the coming days.

Cllr Phil King, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for finance and assets services, said: “Transforming these former garage sites into attractive, new homes – including some at low market value – offers an opportunity to provide capital which can be re-invested for wider community benefits.”  

Although the council no longer has housing stock, it had retained a number of former council-house garages in the district. In October 2015, the council’s Executive agreed to look into developing some of its former garage sites to ensure the council gets the best use of its assets for the benefit of taxpayers.

Corby-based construction company, Jeakins Weir will carry out the building work for the former garage sites. Jeakins Weir was selected to build the homes through the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) framework – managed by Scape Group – which helps public sector organisations secure high-quality construction work while saving money for the taxpayer. The Framework sets targets for “local spend” ensuring the construction work supports jobs in the region.

Alistair Weir, managing director of Jeakins Weir, said: “We are delighted to be working with Harborough District Council on this housing development. The houses embrace modern construction techniques, and will sit well in their surroundings.”

Ian Towlson, regional frameworks manager of empa, said: “Housing remains a priority area for many public sector clients in our region, who are being asked to deliver more affordable housing for local communities as part of the government’s strategy to create 40,000 affordable homes across the UK.

“This is one of a number of housing schemes delivered by construction firm Jeakins Weir and the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa).  We’re working with local authorities across the East Midlands to deliver affordable housing schemes so more families will be given the opportunity to buy their own home in Leicestershire. We’re delighted to be creating safe and secure spaces for people that they can call home.”

To register an interest in the new properties contact Connells Estate Agents at www.connells.co.uk

View the St Cuthbert’s Avenue properties online here

Pictured: (l-r) Ian Towlson from empa, Alistair Weir of Jeakins Weir, Cllr Phil King from Harborough District Council, and Hannah Kelham of Connells