Nottingham City Council has launched its new strategy – Homes Fit for the Future – which will improve the quality, supply and affordability of housing in the city.
Covering social housing, the private-rented sector and owner-occupied homes, the strategy runs until 2028 and is committed to a vision where: “Homes in Nottingham meet the aspirations and needs of our current and future residents. People live in safe, warm homes that they can afford, in vibrant local neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.”
To achieve this, the strategy focuses on the following priority areas:
- Enabling the building of new homes and regeneration
- Enabling people with support needs to live independently
- Improving housing standards while continuing the progress towards a carbon net zero future
- Making the best use of the available housing stock and supporting the development and acquisition of more affordable homes
- Preventing and reducing homelessness and rough sleeping
Partnership working will be key to achieving the vision and responding to housing need in the city, and the strategy provides a framework for organisations to work together.
In line with the Government’s target to build 1.5 million new homes over this parliamentary term, Nottingham City Council will promote and facilitate development opportunities in key regeneration zones, including Waterside and Southside, as well as within the Greater Broad Marsh and Island Quarter redevelopments.
To address both the housing under supply and affordability, the Council plans to build new council homes, adjust planning policies to unlock additional funding for affordable housing, and support other social housing providers in delivering new homes within the city.
Councillor Jay Hayes, Executive Member for Housing and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “Where we live, the quality of the homes we live in and the communities that surround us have a huge impact on our day-to-day lives; they affect our health and wellbeing and can even shape our children’s futures. Housing is also a key factor for growth and regeneration which is vital to Nottingham’s future economic success.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to a home they can afford in a neighbourhood that provides them with the opportunity to thrive. This strategy sets out our clear vision for the future of housing in Nottingham.
“Our partners are key to the city achieving the housing vision and have supported the development of this strategy. I’d like to recognise and thank organisations in all areas of housing who work positively with the council to improve Nottingham’s housing – going forward their support will be vital.”
The delivery of the strategy will be monitored and reviewed through an Implementation Plan which will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the changing needs of Nottingham’s growing population.
