District Council builds more bungalows than ever before

Since 2017, Newark and Sherwood District Council has built more bungalows than ever before as part of its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Development Programme.

98 bungalows are due to be built as part of the District Council’s current five-year housing build programme which is known as the HRA Development Programme, with 48 of these built in villages in the West of the district.

The building of the bungalows is in response to local demand and in contrast to private developers who have generally not been building bungalows over the last 20 years.

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "I'm delighted that through the HRA Development Programme, we have been able to deliver on our promise to build more new bungalows for the residents of Newark and Sherwood. Like the national picture, bungalows have been in high demand in the area. However, private developers haven't been building them for the last two decades – creating a shortage which is particularly prevalent for those on our social housing waiting list. This will mean more of our residents who need to live in a bungalow will be able to do so and may free up larger homes for families that are currently under-occupied."

In 2017, the District Council set a target to build 341 new Council homes through its HRA Development Programme. Since then, the District Council has built 279 homes across the general needs housing and specialist Extra Care Housing. Across the district 86 flats have been built, 98 bungalows, 67 houses and 90 Extra Care properties. Completion of all housing is due for July 2024, with the final phase expected to start in the next month.

As part of the Programme, the newly built properties' specifications were developed to ensure that they are efficient to heat and maintain. This includes benefiting from photo voltaic panels, solar thermal storage and an efficient "A" rated electrical heating system.

In addition, the District Council has carried out customer satisfaction surveys over the 12 months following occupation of the properties. Customer satisfaction with the completed properties and defects service is currently 98.9%.

Councillor Brazier continues: "I am really glad to hear that those who have moved into one of our new homes, as part of our HRA Programme, are enjoying living there and that customer satisfaction is so high. I look forward to welcoming even more people into these lovely homes as we near full completion."

"Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to building social housing to contribute to a varied rental market for our residents. We understand, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, how important social housing is and the value for money it presents for tenants. We are undertaking a review of our Housing Register to ensure we have an up-to-date understanding of current and future housing needs in the district and that our housing programme, including future plans, reflects these needs and requirements.

“In addition, we have a programme to build up to 50 more new homes over the next two years whilst we ensure we are compliant with new housing regulations and hope to create a further housing development programme in the future."