Door opens on 200 new homes

Cath Green Chief Executive at FCHO.

FIRST Choice Homes has revealed ambitious plans to build 200 properties across the borough in a bid to address the lack of social housing.

The housing association announced proposals following approval from its board. Work on the first of the new-builds is set to start next year. They will be available in the early part of 2018.

Properties will include 15 wheelchair-accessible homes as well as opportunities for low-cost home ownership. The developments ­- which will be scattered across Oldham - will also boost the local economy with the not-for-profit housing association pledging to work with local contractors and suppliers and use the opportunity to support its work to improve employment, training and apprenticeships for local people.

Consultations with local residents and businesses will get under way before Christmas.

FCHO has already constructed 94 new homes and is exploring ways to increase the size of its programme further to help meet the housing needs of the borough. This includes the possibility of converting existing empty buildings into homes.

The firm works with Oldham Council and other local landlords to bring empty homes back into occupation. It also buys existing properties which private individuals may wish to sell, in order to increase the supply of affordable housing in Oldham.

FCHO chief executive Cath Green said: "These proposals are very exciting for FCHO and Oldham.

"They play a key role in our growth aspirations and will provide a substantial opportunity to support local employment and training."

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Oldham Council's Cabinet member for co-operatives and neighbourhoods, said: "We are committed to working with developers, builders and housing providers to support a choice of new homes across the borough.

"We are pleased to see the investment First Choice Homes Oldham is making and support its ambitious plans to construct a variety of new and affordable homes."

FCHO took over the running of Oldham Council's 12,000 properties in 2011 following a tenants' vote in favour of transferring the ownership and management of council housing stock.